Crailar sets wheels in motion at new flax facility
19/12/2012
The company plans to produce 68,000kg of flax fibre per week in January, increasing to 136,000kg per week in February and then to level off 200,000kg per week. By the end of 2013, it anticipates expanding its production capacity to achieve more than 450,000kg of fibre per week.
“This is a milestone event for us as a company and an industry partner, heralding a new era in sustainable natural fibres,” said Ken Barker, CEO. “We are particularly excited about the level of fibre quality our new state-of-the-art facility will deliver. This innovative facility will not only deliver on production volume, but will also showcase process efficiencies and product enhancements which are needed by our business partners around the world.”
Crailar is working with the equipment manufacturer to commission auxiliary motors and the decortication line components, adjusting the tuning adjustments, implementing safety procedures, call signals and stops, with quality control expected to be completed just ahead of the December 28 start date.
Crailar, previously Naturally Advanced Technologies, was founded in 1998 and supplies flax, hemp and other bast fibres to HanesBrands, Tuscarora Yarns and Target Corp for commercial use, and to Levi Strauss & Co, Cintas, Carhartt and Lenzing for evaluation and development purposes.
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