Italian PVC film manufacturer forms Alfatherm North America Inc.

Alfatherm SpA (Venegono, Italy), one of Europe’s major producers of rigid, semi-rigid and plasticized furniture PVC foils, announced the formation of Alfatherm North America Inc. Through this initiative, the company intends to enhance its direct presence on one of the most dynamic and stimulating markets at the global level, said Alfatherm.

The move follows three years of successful market penetration in North America with sales of 3DL foils and growing interest for 2DL flat lamination and exterior films. Alfatherm manufactures window profiles, packaging films, shrink films, advertising and graphic films, tapes and medical bags.

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

Alfatherm North America will focus on existing products as well as a range of new products that blend quality design and durability. Its in-register synchronized embossing technology, which features the look and feel of wood, is currently available in 40 different decors. The company will also feature Serica, a new surface finish with anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint properties; Aecore, an impact-resistant and post-formable alternative to traditional high-pressure laminates; and environmentally conscious products like the new 1005 recycled PET from bottle flakes.

“The recent participation in primary exhibitions in the U.S., China and Germany [revealed] a strong interest in our most innovative products,” said Martino Uberti, CEO of Alfatherm. “We have planned, therefore, a series of investments, both in production plants and in research and development.”

Alfatherm recently announced an investment of more than €1 million (around $1.2 million) to upgrade its calendaring line for adhesive films in Italy, which will significantly increase production quality and capacity, and set the basis for further growth at the national and international level, said Alfatherm.

The company has allocated a total investment of more than €12 million (around $14.4 million) for research and development and plant modernization between 2016 and 1018.

Founded in 1963 just outside Milan, Italy, Alfatherm is a global PVC film manufacturer, focused on the production and sale of rigid, semi-rigid and flexible PVC films for various applications.