Committed to investing in new technology as well as the North American textile industry, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc. (ASTG) opened the doors on April 28 to its new 124,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing operation in Yorkville, Illinois, with a tour of the plant for the company’s chemistry, coating and fabric suppliers. The objective of the tour was to familiarize Aurora’s key suppliers with the company’s new expanded capabilities.
A highlight of the tour was the company’s new fully-automated EHWHA ultra wide width coating and finishing line, which works easily with a broad range of woven and non-woven materials up to 134” wide. The EHWHA enhances Aurora’s ability to serve both current and new customers, including those in the print media industry. The equipment and plant represent a significant, multi-million-dollar investment by ASTG.
“In April, the Aurora Specialty Textiles Group invited our best and brightest suppliers to a Vendor Forum to announce the transition from our 132-year-old Aurora, Illinois, facility to a much newer facility just a few miles away in Yorkville. A detailed presentation kicked off the meeting, showing ASTG’s capabilities now and those planned for the future. A plant tour ensued with a special focus on the new 134’’ EHWHA tenter frame and its process controls and capabilities,” said Dan LaTurno, President of Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc.
“Our suppliers are now educated and informed on ASTG’s capabilities and growth strategy. Equipped with this knowledge, they are key to ‘spreading the good word’ about our new capabilities. In the few days since this get together, we have already been sent opportunities that can utilize our state-of-the-art technology. A company like ours is only as good as its employees and suppliers to insure quality products and services to our customers. ASTG is fortunate to have the best of both,” he added.
Although production began this April at the factory, some sections are still under construction. Final upgrades and equipment installations at the new factory are expected to be complete by fall 2015 when Aurora will hold a grand opening celebration and open house. By the end of 2015, the new factory will consolidate all of Aurora’s operations under one roof.
ASTG is a global leader in coating, dyeing and finishing of both woven and non-woven fabrics. Based in Yorkville, the company has a 132-year tradition of innovation and in 2015 invested in a new state-of-the-art, wide-width coating and finishing line, and a new facility that dramatically expand their ability to serve customers. Products include digitally printable textiles through Aurora’s Northern Lights Printable Textiles line, specialty home products, industrial products and tape products for a wide variety of industries.
ASTG is a Meridian Industries, Inc. company and ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.