US-based producer of glass fibre reinforcements for composites Owens Corning is investing US$130 million in a new North American facility (the location has not been specified yet) to expand its glass nonwovens business. The new facility will house a manufacturing line, coating capability, and R&D activities, with capability for a future expansion.

The new facility will use Owens Corning glass fibres supplied from existing facilities and will specialise in high quality glass nonwoven applications including wall covering, ceiling and flooring, speciality insulation, gypsum, and automotive products. Although the facility will primarily supply products for the building materials industry, Owens Corning says it will also have the ability to make glass nonwoven material for window lineals, recreational vehicle (RV) panels and other composites applications. The new line will also be capable of making surfacing veil for glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipe applications.

In other news, the firm is building a manufacturing supply alliance with Xingtai Jinniu Fiberglass Company in China. The supply alliance will utilise Jinniu's existing glass fibre furnace capacity in China to provide a reliable supply of customised boron-free glass fiber reinforcements. The alliance will leverage Owens Corning's technology expertise for environmentally sustainable manufacturing. Both companies will continue to operate as separate commercial entities.