News

June 20th, 2025

For almost 25 years, Norafin has been an integral part of the Mildenau industrial park (Saxony, Germany). This year, we look back on 30 years of company history and 40 years of spunlace technology—a groundbreaking method for consolidating nonwoven fabrics that set a milestone in the former socialist economic area.

The history of spunlace technology and the history of Norafin are closely linked and date back to the 1970s. At that time, a team from the Research Institute for Textiles (FIFT) in Karl-Marx-Stadt was tasked with developing a technology for manufacturing nonwoven fabrics – using local resources and without the use of binders. Despite all the difficulties in procuring parts, the researchers succeeded in 1980 in setting up the first laboratory facility they had developed themselves, which swirled fibers using high water pressure to create a stable, textile fabric.

A suitable location for the construction of the first production plant was found in the old flax spinning mill in Wiesenbad. There, in 1983, construction began on Europe's first large-scale water jet plant, which went into operation in 1985.

The material was used in medicine for compresses and wound dressings. Other areas of focus in product development were artificial leather carriers, insulating material for electrical machines, and nonwoven insole materials.

As part of the renovation of the spa gardens in Wiesenbad and the demolition of the old flax spinning mill, a new building was planned in the Mildenau industrial park. In 1997, construction began on a production hall and the first water jet bonding line. Norafin has been an integral part of the Mildenau community since 2000. To this day, continuous investment is being made in the plant. The three production halls house two modern spunlace lines and one needlepunch line, as well as an aftertreatment plant.

With the construction of a new facility in Mills River, North Carolina, in 2017 and the start of production the following year, Norafin has expanded its production capacities for the American market.

 In 2025, Norafin can proudly say: “We are a global specialist in hydroentangled and needle-punched nonwovens with 40 years of experience.”

With a total of around 240 employees at two production sites on two continents, our experts develop high-quality materials that are used in a wide variety of areas of life and are indispensable in everyday life. For example, our technical specialty nonwovens help protect firefighters from flames, protect patients from infections, purify polluted air, and guarantee hygienic cleanliness.

People are at the heart of our business activities. “As a major employer in the region, we are aware of our social responsibility. That's why, at our anniversary celebration in June, we asked our business partners for a financial contribution to the Mildenau nursery school ‘Spatzennest’”, says André Lang.

Norafin rounded up the amount itself, so that €2,000 could be handed over in August for the construction of the new slide tower.

Through continuous innovation and adaptability, we have set standards in nonwoven production for decades. With our deep-rooted history of success and technological breakthroughs.