Posted September 29, 2015
AURORA, Ill. – As the global textile industry has changed, many U.S. textile firms have relocated manufacturing operations offshore to adapt and compete. In the process, long-established U.S. plants have closed, leaving sections of North America’s workforce unemployed and local economies that once relied on textiles struggling.
But one U.S. textile company is helping to reverse that trend, and in the process has begun tapping both new and established markets in the U.S. and abroad while saving U.S. jobs.
Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc. (ASTG), a global leader in coating, dyeing and finishing of both woven and nonwoven fabrics, just invested in a new, streamlined, state-of-the-art U.S. manufacturing plant. Scanning the ever-evolving textile industry landscape, leadership at ASTG determined about five years ago that they would have to change and adapt to take full advantage of new emerging textile markets.
This meant opening a new manufacturing plant and significant investments in new equipment and systems. But rather than move from their longstanding base near Chicago, they stayed local and this year opened a new, multi-million dollar plant in Yorkville, Ill., located a short drive from its old plant in Aurora. In the process they saved more than 75 jobs, added five more, and preserved a thriving enterprise that helps support local economies. They also better positioned the company to continue to be a strong supplier to the rapidl -growing U.S. and global markets for print media, including wide format.
“We never considered going anywhere else because of our employee base,” said Dan LaTurno, president of ASTG. “We have a great team with little turnover, and many of our employees have been here 20 years plus.”
Smooth transition
In the 1990s Aurora began investing in team building and the result was a highly skilled, stable workforce, he said. The company recognized that solid teamwork and low turnover were key ingredients of their success, plus would be needed to make a smooth transition to the new operation.
“When we decided to move, we roughly drew a circle 16 to 18 miles in radius from the existing plant,” LaTurno said, and soon found an unoccupied, former manufacturing plant in nearby Yorkville.
In April of this year, ASTG began moving from their Aurora plant to the new, 124,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing operation. A highlight of the plant is the company’s new fully automated EHWHA ultra-wide width coating and finishing line, which works easily with a broad range of woven and non-woven materials up to 134” wide. The EHWHA enhances Aurora’s ability to serve both current and new customers, including those in the print media industry.
The equipment and plant represent a significant, multi-million dollar investment. But staying in the U.S.A. turned out to be a smart decision.
“When we bring people here and tell them what we are doing, people in the textile industry think this is fabulous,” said Marcia Ayala, vice president at ASTG. “There are very few finishers left in the U.S. and we are the only one in North America with wide-width capabilities who can do what we can do.”
The U.S. location also reduces transportation time, eliminates customs costs and makes it possible for their customers to buy fabric in small batches, as opposed to having to buy an entire ship container load of fabric.
ASTG’s investment in a new U.S. manufacturing operation also reflects the commitment of Meridian Industries, Inc., ASTG’s parent company, to bringing business back to the United States. Aurora Specialty Textiles Group is one of five Meridian subsidiaries.
“Our customers want to work with North American manufacturing companies and buy made-in-U.S.A. products,” Ayala said. “But they also need to consider price and quality. We now give them the option to buy from a U.S. firm and stay competitive.”
Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group
At Aurora, investment in U.S. manufacturing opens doors
