Owens Corning Veil Netherlands

Production of fiber membranes

Where once sat Van Gelder Papier, there are now three companies, which all three continued parts of Van Gelder’s business, these are AFP Holland, Loparex and Owens Corning. The last company continued the business for fibers. We are talking about fiber membranes, don’t confuse them with the fiber optic technology for internet, because this is something completely different. Fiber membranes are used for many applications. You run into them on a daily basis, and don’t even notice. It’s used for carpets and ceiling plates, but also in airplanes and cars for example. Owens Corning is a world player in the market for fiber membranes. Director Jan Coerts: “We are exceptionally proud of the fact that we are world-leader in the production of ceiling plates with fiber membranes, worldwide! We don’t call it a world company in Apeldoorn for nothing!”

A world company in Apeldoorn. 

Owens Corning is part of the American concern of the same name. There are 16.500 employees worldwide for this company and total revenue is around five to six billion euros per year. 180 people work in Apeldoorn. Being part of an American owner also means their culture is part of Owens Corning. Director Jan Coerts thinks the mix of various cultures is a positive one. “We keep short lines, our people’s involvement is huge, and we are very focused on results. That’s how we combine the positive elements from different cultures!”

Owens Corning in Apeldoorn exports their products around the world. Main part stays within Europe, but also North-America, China, India and the Middle East are supplied from Apeldoorn. Most sales markets show a decent growth and the expectations are that demand for fiber membranes will keep growing. Owen Corning is also constantly on the lookout for new ways to use their products.