North American investment to support capacity and innovation in baby nappies
Due to major increases in their manufacturing capacities revealed by two of the biggest providers of private label and contract produced nappies, the North American infant diaper industry is changing. These actions are a reaction to the growing demand from independent and retail businesses in North America for premium-style, high-quality nappies.
Near its rival Ontex’s new North American factory in Stokesdale, North Carolina, Drylock Technologies started manufacturing disposable baby nappies and training trousers in the United States in July at a new facility in Reidsville, North Carolina. Drylock’s investment is a component of their customer-following approach. With a multi-million dollar investment at a plant purchased from Presto Products, the hygiene expert with headquarters in Belgium started producing adult incontinence products in the United States seven years ago in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Drylock attributes its notable success with several European retail partners to its dedication to sustainability and innovation. “We wanted to leverage our patented baby diaper technology and our deep passion for providing high quality, innovative baby diapers and training pants as close to the consumer as possible,” says Matt Koloseike, VP of sales and marketing, Drylock. “With the growth seen within the U.S. in recent years and the constant demand for new innovations, it only made sense to establish a new manufacturing site regionally.”
With agreements in both the infant and adult care segments, Drylock Technologies is primarily focused on the store brands area of the hygiene industry. Improved product quality and range expansions, strategic positioning, high levels of innovation, and the introduction of more sustainable solutions—all aimed at directly competing with national brands—are driving the ongoing rise of retailer brands.
“We can provide faster innovation and value to a demanding and expanding consumer base with the opening of Drylock’s newest baby care plant in Reidsville, NC,” Koloseike continues. “With this new facility, Drylock will be able to provide its North American customers with an unmatched speed to market and deliver innovative solutions even more quickly and efficiently.” Over the coming years, Drylock’s ongoing investments in sustainability and innovation will be heavily influenced by the North American market.
Meanwhile, First Quality has made the decision to invest in Macon, Georgia, to increase its production of baby nappies and training pants by 50%, two years after announcing a plan to consolidate its U.S. absorbent hygiene manufacturing footprint by moving its King of Prussia, PA, operations into its other campuses. Additionally, the business plans to increase its capacity for senior care goods at this location by 25%.
A new production plant, new lines of training pants and nappies for adults and babies, and a brand-new automated warehouse facility are all part of this growth. While the adult care expansion is anticipated to be finished by September 2025, the infant care expansion will be conducted gradually and should be finished by June 2025.