Fiber Composites LLC Chooses ENTEK
Second-Largest WPC Decking Manufacturer in North America Innovates, Succeeds With ENTEK Extrusion Systems and Controls
Based in New London, North Carolina, Fiber Composites LLC is an industry leader in the production of wood-plastic composite decking and railing products. With their recent agreement to purchase Louisiana-Pacific (LP)'s WeatherBest® line of WPC decking products and LP's facility in Meridian, Idaho, FC has expanded to become the second-largest WPC decking manufacturer in North America. Having worked with Fiber Composites since 1999, ENTEK is proud to be Fiber Composites' twin-screw extruder and auxiliary equipment provider.
Growing Together
Both Fiber Composites and ENTEK worked with WPC formulations when the market was in its infancy, and today each is a leader in the field. Fiber Composites began operations in North Carolina in 1997, and by 1999 had purchased several ENTEK E-MAX™ twin-screw extruders for producing WPC decking.
"We have partnered with ENTEK from the beginning because they are a supplier that is committed to helping us succeed," said Doug Mancosh, President of Fiber Composites. "From our initial machinery orders in 1998, we have since added numerous additional ENTEK lines. They are not just a machinery supplier; they have helped us by providing their controls for our material handling equipment, and have also designed and installed auxiliary equipment for our production lines."
It was clear to us from the beginning that Fiber Composites had the vision to be a leader in the WPC market," said Dr. Kirk Hanawalt, ENTEK Vice President/COO. "These products were just entering the market at that time, but FC always had a focus on high quality. They have stayed at the forefront of the market over the years by regularly launching refinements to existing products, and entirely new products.
Highest Quality
Already known for its fiberon® brand of composite decking and railing, Fiber Composites has now added the respected WeatherBest® brand to its product line. The two brands have something in common: both are produced with ENTEK E-MAX™ twin-screw extruders, and both have a strong reputation for quality.
The pending addition of the former LP plant in Idaho will also give Fiber Composites a production facility in the western United States, an important region for WPC sales and distribution. Fiber Composites is now one of only two WPC manufacturers with a major presence in both the western and eastern United States.
"The acquisition of the Louisiana Pacific facility and products strengthen our product offering and create an opportunity to improve service to our customers," said Mancosh. "The plant design and production equipment at the LP location are nearly identical to our North Carolina facilities, so we see a quick and easy transition."
As the WPC industry continues to consolidate, Fiber Composites has not only maintained its leadership position but it has succeeded in substantially increasing its product offerrings and market share. As the leading supplier of complete extrusion systems to the WPC industry, ENTEK is proud to be partners with Fiber Composites and looks forward to continuing to be an important part of its growth.
