WILMINGTON, N.C., Nov. 14 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Guilford, a global
designer and manufacturer of performance textiles, announced today the
expansion of its European operations with the establishment of Guilford
France. Guilford France was formed by the acquisition of France-based Salome-
Rokona, which includes manufacturing operations and sales offices.
The creation of Guilford France secures the continued operation of the
plant in Troisvilles, northeast of Paris, which is the principal provider of
warp knit textiles for the French automotive headliner market. The newly
acquired company will gain immediate access to Guilford's global R&D network
and quality systems.
Guilford has been advancing a strategy to expand globally, supporting car
manufacturers worldwide by looking in China, Japan and Europe. Regarding the
importance of this acquisition, Joe Cottone, Vice President of Strategic
Planning, said, "France, second only to Germany in European production of
automobiles, represents a very important market and a great growth
opportunity for Guilford. To best service the needs of important customers,
such as PSA and Renault, we felt a local presence was critical."
Guilford, who recently moved their worldwide headquarters to Wilmington,
North Carolina, is an integrated designer and manufacturer of performance
textiles and the world's largest warp knit textile company. Guilford serves a
diversified global customer base with Automotive Products, Technical Textiles
and Specialty Apparel Fabrics.
