ALFATHERM ANNOUNCES THE FORMATION OF ALFATHERM NORTH AMERICA INC.

Venegono (Italy), September 18, 2017 – Alfatherm SpA, one of Europe's major producers of rigid, semi-rigid and plasticized furniture PVC foils, announced today the formation of Alfatherm North America Inc.

With Alfatherm North America Inc., the company intends to enhance its direct presence on one of the most dynamic and stimulating markets at the global level. This new strategic initiative builds on the increasing sales that Alfatherm is experiencing following three years of successful market penetration in North America with sales of 3DL foils, and the growing interest for 2DL for flat lamination and exterior films.

Based in St. Louis (MO), the new company is led by Dustin Smith, who joins Alfatherm after 20+ years of experience in the decorative laminates industry.

Alfatherm North America Inc. will be focusing on existing products as well as a range of new products providing the optimal blend of high-quality design and durability, including industry leading in-register SYNCHRONISED embossing technology (EIR), currently available in 40 different decors, which features the true look and feel of wood and an impressive level of realism; SERICA, a new surface finish with anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint properties; AECORE, an innovative, high-impact resistant and post-formable alternative to traditional high-pressure laminates; and environmentally conscious products like the new 100% recycled PET from bottle flakes.
Alfatherm will also continue its partnership with Decotone Surfaces through 3DL distribution which offers a wide range of stock foils matched to the current TFL boards on the market.

The incorporation of the new North American branch represents a further step forward in the implementation of Alfatherm’s strategic plan. This included the optimization of the manufacturing plants in Italy to focus on the company's core sectors such as surface decorations, capsules and sleeves, and films for the graphic art segment.
Alfatherm has recently announced over 1 million Euros (around US $ 1.2 million) investment for the upgrading of its calendering line for the adhesive films in the Gallarate site (Varese, Italy), which will significantly increase production quality and capacity, and set the basis for its further growth at the national and international level.
With a total investment of over 12 million Euros (around US $ 14.4 million) for research and development and plant modernization in the 2016-2018 three-year period, Alfatherm confirms to be one of the most dynamic and innovative international companies in the field of thermoplastic film production.

“The recent participation to primary exhibitions in the US, China and Germany – said Marino Uberti, CEO of Alfatherm – showed a strong interest in our most innovative products. We have therefore planned a series of investments, both in production plants and in research and development”.