PFNonwovens (PFN) operates one of its five global manufacturing facilities in the Greater Hazleton Area, producing specialized nonwoven materials used in hygiene, healthcare, and other products found in homes and businesses around the world.
Headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, PFN was formed in 2018 through the combination of Pegas Nonwovens and First Quality Nonwovens, bringing together more than three decades of manufacturing experience. Today, the company has grown to operate facilities throughout the United States, Czech Republic, Egypt, and South Africa and employs more than 1,000 people worldwide.
PFN’s Hazleton operation within Humboldt Industrial Park has been part of that growth for more than two decades. Originally developed as First Quality Nonwovens, the facility has expanded through multiple production line additions beginning in 1999, including the most recent addition of Line 9 in 2020. Those investments have expanded the facility’s production capabilities while incorporating advanced technology and automation.
That longstanding presence has also given PFN’s local team a firsthand perspective on the Greater Hazleton Area.
“Hazleton and Northeast Pennsylvania are great places to live,” General Manager, Chris Scuron said. “I think people don’t appreciate how much we’ve got here to offer.”
While the term “nonwovens” may be unfamiliar to many consumers, the materials produced by PFN are part of products used every day. The company manufactures spunmelt nonwoven fabrics for baby diapers, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products, medical gowns, wipes, as well as a number of industrial and agricultural applications.
PFN develops materials to meet specific performance needs, including softness, protection, comfort, and reliability.
The Hazleton facility combines advanced manufacturing technology, automation, and lean manufacturing practices with a skilled local workforce. Employees support production and facility operations while maintaining the quality and consistency required to serve customers across the globe.
“Everything from quality, operations, warehousing, logistics, purchasing, customer service, and finance. Everything that brings a manufacturing company together, we’ve got those roles here” Scuron said.
PFN places an emphasis on safety, continuous improvement, employee development, and career advancement throughout its operations. The company also offers tuition reimbursement to eligible employees pursuing education or certifications that can help prepare them for other positions within the company.
“That opens doors for you to apply to different positions here and grow within the company,” Quality Engineer Charlie Karchner said.
Human Resources Director Tracy Schooley said she has seen that advancement firsthand.
“There’s so much career growth here. We encourage that,” she said. “When you come in, you’re entry level. You have every opportunity to move up the ladder to be a team lead, that moves into supervisory roles, that can move into management roles. I have seen it time and time again, people moving up the ladder.”
As part of PFN’s international manufacturing network, the Hazleton facility also connects the Greater Hazleton Area to customers beyond the region. Together, PFN’s facilities serve customers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and other markets while maintaining regional production capabilities.
The company continues to focus on material innovation, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability as demand for high-performance materials in hygiene, healthcare, and specialty applications evolves.
PFN’s continued presence in the Greater Hazleton Area demonstrates how advanced manufacturers can operate as part of a global network while providing local employment and career opportunities.
Additional employer features will be released as part of the Hazleton Works Industry Awareness Series. Businesses interested in participating may contact Program Coordinator Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
For more information about PFNonwovens, visit pfnonwovens.com.
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