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Lenzing Group is investing 27 million euros ($30 million) to expand specialty fiber production at its Mobile, Ala. facility, targeting a growing market for wood-based materials in nonwoven products.

Announced Thursday, the investment will expand the Austrian fiber manufacturer’s capacity for lyocell short-cut fibers, which are produced in shorter lengths for specialized nonwoven applications. The company said the upgrades will give the facility greater flexibility to develop customized fibers for customers.

“Nonwovens are a strategic growth area for Lenzing, and our investment in Mobile reflects our strong commitment to expanding our capabilities in this business and strengthening Lenzing’s presence in the Americas and globally,” said Georg Kasperkovitz, CEO of Lenzing Group.

The Mobile project forms part of a 50-million-euro ($55 million) investment program for Lenzing’s nonwovens business, including 23 million euros previously announced for production expansion in Austria.

Lenzing is pursuing growth in specialty nonwovens as part of its “Grow NW. Reset TX.” strategy, stressing the development of wood-based alternatives to fossil-derived fibers used in disposable and technical products.

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