Freudenberg Vitech Opens Expanded Auto Interiors Center in Hopkinsville, Ky.

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky., Nov. 13 -- The Freudenberg-Vitech Limited Partnership, a strategic alliance between Freudenberg Nonwovens and the Japan Vilene Company, today announced the official opening of a new and expanded automotive interiors center in Hopkinsville Kentucky.

This center, which is on the site of Freudenberg's existing Hopkinsville manufacturing facility, is designed to allow the Freudenberg Vitech strategic alliance to respond more effectively to the increased demand for its nonwoven automotive interior products.

Covering approximately 44,000 square feet, the new center represents a substantial increase in size over current manufacturing operations in Lowell, MA. As such, it offers a number of advantages in terms of capacity, technology and market response. Among these advantages are the latest in nonwoven manufacturing equipment, designed specifically for the new operation.

Presiding over the ceremony were Messrs. James Frasch, the President of Freudenberg Vitech and Kaz Karasawa, Automotive General Manager, who shared the podium with invited guests and dignitaries.

The Freudenberg Vitech alliance was established in 1997 to manufacture nonwoven headliner facings for domestic automotive manufacturers and overseas manufacturers with operations in North America. Since that time, the Vitech product line has grown to include sun visors, package trays and door panel trim together, as well as headliners.

In establishing their joint venture in 1997, Freudenberg and Japan Vilene, also known as JVC, brought together a combination of marketing and technological expertise that exemplifies the independent strengths of both companies.

Outside its relationship with Japan Vilene, Freudenberg pursues its international automotive interests through the Freudenberg Nonwovens Group, which manufactures a comprehensive range of nonwoven products for world markets. The group is part of Freudenberg & Company, a privately held global operation spanning all seven continents and more than 12 countries. Freudenberg is the world's largest manufacturer of nonwovens with 16 manufacturing facilities as well as numerous sales and customer support offices.

The Japan Vilene Company is the largest manufacturer of nonwovens in Asia, where roughly 80 percent of automobile interiors use nonwoven facings. Of this total, more than 45% are manufactured by JVC. Like Freudenberg, JVC also produces a wide range of nonwoven products for multiple market applications. JVC is the 12th largest manufacturer of nonwovens in the world.