Fiberweb is pleased to announce the next phase of their development strategy with an order being placed for a brand new, state-of-the-art Needlepunch geotextile line which will compliment the Terram brand.

The investment of over six million euros, follows the acquisition of Boddingtons and Tubex by parent company Fiberweb and the subsequent formation of a specialist Geosynthetics Division including the Terram business, and represents the largest single investment in new technology for the Geosynthetics business.

The new line, currently in production by leading manufacturer Oerlikon, is bespoke for Fiberweb and will be based on the expanded site in Maldon, Essex. The current Terram thermal bond products will still be available to customers initially from the existing plant in South Wales and then later from a new joint venture based overseas.

The addition of the new line means that Fiberweb Geosynthetics can now offer both needlepunched and thermally bonded geotextiles, as well as a wide range of drainage composites, geonets, geocells and civil engineering accessories, ultimately allowing them to supply a wider range of civil engineering projects.

Needlepunch is a non woven fabric designed for use in major civil engineering projects. It is produced using a unique mechanical bonding process which results in a much thicker, yet extremely flexible fabric with a higher resistance to both puncture and abrasion. This latest product is specifically designed for ground engineering applications which require a higher grade fabric than the current Fiberweb Geosynthetics thermally bonded geotextile range.

Coupled with exceptional drainage and filtration properties, Needlepunch is particularly suitable for use in landfill, coastal protection and rail projects. In landfill applications the geotextile can be applied to the membranes that are used above and below the waste, to protect against damage such as puncture and environmental stress or cracking.

In coastal protection schemes, the highly durable fabric can be placed beneath the retaining sea walls or rip rap used to protect shorelines against the impact of waves and debris. In this instance, the geotextile will serve the dual purpose of preventing coastal erosion whilst allowing the bi-directional free passage of water, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional stone filters used in coastal protection schemes.

In Railway Construction, Needlepunch can be applied as an underneath track ballast acting as a robust filter between the ballast and the existing formation. The geotextile will prevent the intermixing of the two layers that would otherwise require premature, frequent and expensive maintenance by the rail operator.

John Warner, President of Fiberweb Geosynthetics commented:

"As an organisation we are committed to developing geosynthetic products that meet all the needs of the civil engineering industry. This is a significant investment in new technology and is a core element of the marketing strategy developed specifically to maintain the Terram products and brand at the very forefront of the geosynthetics market in the UK and allow new markets to be targeted in continental Europe."

The new line is expected to be on site by the end of 2011 and fully operational during the first quarter 2012.