Voith to supply production machinery and Papermaking 4.0 solutions for world’s widest and fastest glass mat manufacturing plant

Owens Corning, a leader in global building and industrial materials, has commissioned Voith to supply production machinery, Papermaking 4.0 solutions as well as components for its site in Fort Smith, Arkansas, U.S.A. The new 50,000-square-meter manufacturing facility will produce mat for roofing shingles and further innovative nonwoven products on what will be the widest and fastest glass mat machine in the world.

Highly specialized supplier for glass mat production
The centerpiece of the most powerful nonwovens machine in the world is the more-than five meters wide HydroFormer. This inclined wire former enables an outstanding homogenous formation of long glass fibers up to 40 mm with very low stock consistencies. Essential to the expansion project is the Voith FiberDry, an innovative glass mat dryer that has a flexible modular design.

For Owens Corning, sustainability and efficiency were key factors when deciding on the individual components. Following the Process Line Package (PLP) concept approach, Voith will supply two IntensaPulper machines that set industry standards in pulping with their energy-efficient technology. In addition, a comprehensive Papermaking 4.0 and automation package is designed to increase efficiency, product quality and machine availability and integrates all third-party suppliers into the Voith control and condition monitoring systems.