World’s First Nonwovens Institute Will Boost State’s Industry Leadership
Media Contacts:
Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, 919/515-1822
Emily Parker, College of Textiles, 919/515-6529
Tim Colbert, ABI Public Relations, 212/529-4500
April 26, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A new North Carolina State University institute will help bolster the state’s standing in the fast-growing nonwovens textile industry.
Through an innovative partnership of industry, government and the university, The Nonwovens Institute will be the world’s first accredited academic program for the interdisciplinary study of engineered fabrics. Nonwoven textiles are materials that are neither woven nor knit and are widespread in products and materials people use every day, such as automobiles, medical products, industrial products, clothing, air and water filters and a number of personal hygiene products such as household wipes, bandages, and diapers.
The growing U.S. nonwovens industry saw revenue of $22 billion in 2006 and has been enjoying 6 to 8 percent annual growth rates.
North Carolina has quickly become a hub of nonwoven industry activity, with 33 companies employing more than 2,420 people. Seventeen companies have either gotten their start or expanded their North Carolina-based operations in the last three years, accounting for 1,000 additional jobs and representing more than $400 million in economic expansion.
The mission of The Nonwovens Institute is to develop, educate and train the next generation of industry professionals. The institute will serve as a central resource and support center for education, research, engagement and economic development for the nonwovens textiles industry in the United States. The Nonwovens Institute combines the expertise of NC State’s leading colleges of Textiles, Engineering and Natural Resources.
Designed to operate on an “open innovation” platform, The Nonwovens Institute will enable industry and university experts to develop the next generation of nonwoven applications while educating and training future industry leaders.
“The ability to grow the economy right here in North Carolina, conduct vital research and development in engineered fabrics, and provide a ‘test bed’ for our more than 70 industry partners demonstrates the university’s commitment to the region and the nonwoven industry,” says Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, executive director of The Nonwovens Institute.
The Nonwovens Institute will be formally inaugurated on May 15 in an event that will include North Carolina elected officials, university leadership, and top executives from Procter & Gamble, MeadWestvaco, Fiberweb PLC, and Eastman Chemical Co. The institute, which will be housed in NC State’s College of Textiles, was approved by NC State’s Board of Trustees at its February meeting.
NC State’s Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center (NCRC), established in 1991 as a partnership between the state, the university and industry through a National Science Foundation grant, will now be housed under the umbrella of the new institute. NCRC will serve as the research arm of the institute with a goal of enhancing and developing nonwoven products.
“The Nonwovens Institute is making history. This innovative partnership model will serve as a national benchmark for industry and academic collaboration to enhance economic development and professional training,” says Robb Lovegrove, NCRC Industrial Advisory Board Executive Committee Member and Director of Global Marketing for Eastman Chemical Company. “It’s a notable first in higher education.”
As part of its educational mission, The Nonwovens Institute will offer online and short course training programs, through which enrollees can earn continuing education credits at NC State. The institute will also offer customized courses and training for nonwovens companies.
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