Defencell aids humanitarian relief effort in Haiti
2 February 2010
Fiberweb’s DEFENCELL™ Engineered Protection System Deployed from
U.S. to Haiti for Immediate Aid in Humanitarian Relief Efforts
Lightweight, Protective Construction System Specified for Haitian Operations
(Fiberweb, Inc., OLD HICKORY, Tenn.) – DEFENCELL™ Engineered Protection
System will be used to assist in the reconstruction of critical infrastructure as part
of the relief efforts in and around Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This system’s compact
transportation footprint, versatile applications and easy installation made it an
ideal choice for establishing replacement structures in a devastated area where
deployment time was critical.
DEFENCELL is a cellular construction system designed to be filled with earth,
sand or aggregate to produce protective walls and structures where traditional
building materials may not be available. As part of the Haitian requirement,
sufficient DefenCell has already been delivered to build more than 6,500 feet
(2,000 linear meters) of wall 8 feet high (2.5 meters). This entire consignment
was delivered in a single truck and air-lifted from the US. The lightweight and
compact nature of DefenCell allows it to be broken down into smaller loads for
movement to the construction locations over possibly rough and difficult terrain.
The 41,000-pound shipment reached its destination within 3 days of leaving the
manufacturing site in Tennessee.
According to Arthur Cashin, Business Director-GeoCells of Fiberweb Americas,
DEFENCELL Engineered Protection Systems are suitable for many applications
from simple structures and emergency shelter walls to helping secure
compounds in relief situations or in and around military operating bases. “Due to
its versatility and rugged design, the DEFENCELL system can be used in a
variety of semi-permanent structures for several years while rebuilding efforts are
taking place. We are pleased that our products can provide peace of mind in
these troubled times,” says Cashin.
Jeremy Milton, International Sales Manager at Distributors J&S Franklin Limited,
adds “DEFENCELL systems combine established cellular design with a strong,
durable geotextile fabric that has been tested in critical operations around the
world. All the components are man-portable and can be deployed without the use
of heavy mechanical handling equipment”. Manufactured in the United States
and United Kingdom, DEFENCELL systems have been deployed in Afghanistan
and other hostile environments in various field applications. The system is strong,
resistant to moisture degradation and incorporates enhanced UV resistance for
operations in harsh climates. The system has flexibility in both design and
building configuration while requiring only limited ground preparation.
For more information, visit www.defencell.com.
About Fiberweb
Fiberweb Inc., is the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Fiberweb plc, a London, UK
based company listed on the London Stock Exchange (FWEB:LSE). Fiberweb
plc, is one of the world's largest and leading suppliers of high-performance,
specialty nonwoven fabrics. Fiberweb has strong market positions in many of its
product and application areas, using a variety of leading manufacturing
technologies and in-depth customer understanding. Fiberweb manufactures topquality,
high-performance products for use in the consumer fabrics, construction,
filtration and graphic arts industries. With revenues of around $800 million and
around 1,800 employees worldwide, the company has a strong global position,
with major operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information,
J & S Franklin Ltd was founded in 1946, and remains a compact family-run
business, with offices in London, Washington and Dubai and manufacturing
facilities in UK, US, Europe and Asia. The Franklin Group offers a wide range of
military and civil equipment to the British Ministry of Defence, and many overseas
Governments, Homeland Security Organisations and International Relief
Agencies. J & S Franklin offers a complete “turnkey” service, combining rapid
response, confidentiality and experience to provide economical and effective
solutions, on a global basis
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Michael Clark
Miller Brooks
317.873.8100
michael@millerbrooks.com