How continuous investment has kept Fibertex Personal Care's production technology at the forefront for more than 30 years.
Continuous improvement rather than one-time investments
Long-standing production facilities are often associated with outdated technology, limited flexibility, spare parts availability and maintenance challenges. However, the age of a production line says little about its technological capabilities. A production line installed 30 years ago may be significantly more advanced than a newer line that has received little investment since commissioning.
For more than three decades, Fibertex has demonstrated how a clear long-term investment strategy can continuously strengthen production capabilities. Rather than replacing entire production lines, the company has consistently invested in targeted upgrades that improve reliability, product quality, flexibility and operational efficiency.
This philosophy has enabled Fibertex to continuously develop its production assets while creating immediate value for both the business and its customers through reliable production, consistent product quality and the flexibility to respond to changing market needs.
About Fibertex Personal Care
Fibertex Personal Care is among world’s leading manufacturer of spunmelt nonwovens and printed nonwovens for the hygiene and medical industries.
Headquarters: Aalborg, Denmark
Production sites: Denmark and Malaysia, and customer support office in Japan (Nonwovens) and Germany and the USA (Innowo Print)
Employees: 600+
Reliability through the replacement of critical components
A key element of Fibertex's investment strategy has been the proactive replacement and modernisation of critical production components. For example, the installation of a new dosing system has ensured long-term spare parts availability while improving the precision of raw material dosing, contributing to greater process stability and consistently high product quality.
One of the most significant milestones was the upgrade of Line 2 from REICOFIL 3.1 to REICOFIL 3.4. As part of this modernization, the complete drawing unit and diffuser were replaced with the latest REICOFIL 4 technology. This significantly improved web laydown quality, enabling Fibertex to further enhance product uniformity and process stability while continuing to operate its proven production line.
Another important milestone was the modernisation of the drive and automation platform through the implementation of Siemens SINAMICS technology. This upgrade and investment established a modern control platform and strengthened the long-term reliability of the production line. Combined with the expertise of Fibertex's production, engineering and maintenance teams, these investments help ensure stable operations and high delivery reliability for customers.
Maximum quality through continuous process optimisation
Alongside operational reliability, Fibertex has continuously invested in technologies that further improve product performance.
"Today, we produce nonwovens of the highest quality on our equipment," says Anders Søgaard, Operations Director at Fibertex Personal care. "Our solid technological fundament, including continuous optimisation enables us to meet increasingly demanding customer requirements while preparing our production for future market needs."
By upgrading existing equipment to the latest Reicofil technology standards and retrofitting specially developed metering dies, Fibertex has further enhanced melt distribution, layer formation, process stability and overall product quality. These improvements ensure that the production assets continue to operate at the highest technological standards.
Entering new markets through add-on technologies
Continuous investment has also enabled Fibertex to expand its product portfolio and address changing market requirements without replacing entire production systems.
Eric Krieger, Area Slaes Manager at Reifenhäuser Reicofil, explains: "Our plant technology is designed as a platform that can be expanded with specialised add-on technologies. This approach enables our partners to develop new product capabilities and respond to changing market demands without the need for complete replacement of existing production lines."
Fibertex has successfully utilised this approach. A bicomponent upgrade has enabled the production of exceptionally soft nonwovens and opened opportunities for further product development and market differentiation. In addition, modern twin bico-screw extruders have increased production flexibility and enabled faster product changes without compromising product quality or process stability.
Continuous improvement requires a long-term partnership
For Fibertex, the development of its production assets is a continuous process rather than a series of individual investment projects.
"Continuous improvement has become an integral part of how we develop our business," says Søgaard. "It enables us to strengthen product quality, operational reliability and manufacturing flexibility while supporting future innovation. Equally important has been working with Reicofil and technology partners who show strong commitment to this approach. Key is strong commitment, forward-thinking actions and trusting partnership."
Next is to identify opportunities to further optimize production performance, including an advanced edge-cooling solution designed to reduce web adhesion in critical edge areas, thereby improving product quality, process stability and energy efficiency.
The case from Fibertex Personal Care demonstrates how a long-term investment strategy, combined with continuous technological development and a strong technology partnership, can keep production assets competitive for decades while supporting future product innovation.
Are you interested in moderizing your equipment as well? We are happy to advise you:
More Stories
