Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) is investing in nonwovens technology in both the U.S. and Asia to serve the hygiene and healthcare marketplace.

PGI plans to install new custom-designed spunmelt machines in the U.S. and China. Construction associated with the projects is expected to begin early in the first quarter of 2010 and material is expected to be commercially available in 2011.

With the expansion, PGI will employ recent proprietary technological developments to deliver differentiated products to customers that will achieve improved barrier, softness and opacity versus current marketplace capabilities for use in such products as diapers, surgical gowns and drapes.

The latest expansion is part of PGI’s continuing strategy to optimize its global footprint, following investments by the company in Mexico and Europe in 2009.