CEO Ron Mohling announced early September that Greenville-based Southern Weaving Company, manufacturer of narrow webbing, has expanded its manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of Jones Products, a company specializing in coatings for webbing.  This purchase will give Southern Weaving the ability to add value to its products.  Coatings can enhance the performance of webbing, making it more abrasion-resistant, durable, waterproof, and cleanable, among other characteristics.
“The former Jones Products has actually been a valued Southern Weaving customer for many years, and we are pleased to combine forces with them to offer the market coated webbing,” Mohling said.  Mohling indicated that, within the next few months, the equipment will be transitioned from the Chicago area to Southern Weaving’s Anderson, South Carolina facility.  Darryl King, Anderson plant manager, will lead the transition team.  Some key personnel from the former Jones Products will relocate to South Carolina, and Southern Weaving anticipates adding up to six new employees as the coating business grows.

Southern Weaving has been in business since 1924 and has led the launch of technical textiles into many arenas, from brakepads for the Model T Ford, to composite layers for the shell of inflatable space structures.  Its operation includes manufacturing facilities in Greenville, S.C., Anderson, S.C., and Collingwood Canada.  The company makes narrow webbing that serves various markets such as industrial slings, fall protection body harnesses, sporting equipment, and hydraulic hose sleeves.  The coating capability will add value in those current markets, and allow Southern Weaving to enter some new markets.