Infiana Group GmbH is expanding its North American capacity with the addition of a new extruder at its Malvern, Pa. facility.
The company, formerly known as Huhtamäki Films, changed its name to Infiana in January. Private equity firm Deutsche Beteiligungs AG led a management buyout in November 2014, acquiring the film business from Huhtamäki Oyj of Finland.
“This will add to our portfolio,” noted Robert Shumoski, general manager of Infiana North America.
He said the company's current building had room for the extra line.
Shumoski said the Malvern facility has had a strong presence in the building and construction market. The new line strengthens its capabilities and also allows for new opportunities in pressure sensitive films markets and will help grow its composites and personal care markets. The expansion also gives it more flexibility and the ability to handle seasonal demand.
He said he could not elaborate on the specifics of the expansion. Infiana has been in Malvern since 1964 and producing blown film since 2003.
The company said that it has about 100 employees in Malvern supplying silicone-coated release films as well as non-siliconized smooth and embossed film.
“We are well on our way to developing North America into a high-caliber business with a broad technology base, efficient equipment, and more than anything building on a human capital base that will make our plans in the U.S. a success,” said Peter Wahsner, CEO of Infiana Group, in a statement.
This marks Infiana's first expansion since it became independent. The new name is derived from three words — innovation, infinity and film.
Infiana Group GmbH is headquartered in Forchheim, Germany. Overall it has about 1,000 employees with production facilities in Forchheim; Malvern; Camacari, Brazil; and Samutsakorn, Thailand. Infiana reported 2014 sales of about 200 million euros ($219 million).
