INVISTA manufacturing site to transform from carpet fibers to high-tech nylon polymer

June 19, 2022

The INVISTA nylon site in Lugoff will undergo a significant transformation over the next several months, shifting its production focus from nylon 6,6 fiber to nylon 6,6 polymer. The transformation will equip the site for long-term viability and growth, as polymer products are used in high-tech applications such as modern connectors, sensors and heat- and chemical-resistant automotive parts.

INVISTA’s polymer business, INV Nylon Polymers Americas, LLC, is making a $60 million investment over the next two years that will improve the site’s polymer production process and logistics capability. The efforts of our employees to transform the site operations in conjunction with the project implementation will increase nylon 6,6 polymer supply capacity for the industry. Construction will begin later this year and is expected to be completed in 2024.

“INVISTA has world-class polymer assets across the globe, and I’m thrilled to see our employees and this project transform our local facility into one of them,” said Jay Johnson, site manager.

The transformation will follow the planned closure of the site’s remaining carpet fiber assets, as product demand has decreased over the past few years.

“Our site has served a variety of industries since the 50s, and we will continue to transform to meet the needs of consumers today,” said Johnson. “Our employees are looking forward to starting another new chapter here with exciting potential.”

Operations at the Lugoff facility first began in 1950 as an acrylic fiber operation. Over the years, the site has produced a variety of textile polyester, acrylic, and nylon fibers for use in both consumer and industrial applications. Going forward, the site will manufacture nylon 6,6 polymers for high-tech applications, as well as CORDURA® fiber for workwear and military applications.