A "SUNRISE" textile company with a factory in Bolton has used a successful trade fair in Atlanta to boost its American markets.

Web Dynamics in Moss Lane, Blackrod, which produces hi-tech fabrics used in the building, medical and automotive industries, has formed strategic alliances with important American corporations.

The company, which has its headquarters in Hertfordshire, switched production from Wigan to Blackrod last year.

Competitiveness Minister Alan Johnson announced a £117,000 DTI Innovation Budget Grant when he opened a new £30 million European Production Centre based in the former Horwich Sewing building.

Mr Tim Woodbridge, Web's Managing Director, said on his return from Atlanta that they had accessed a number of distributors which gave them informed access into a range of key market sectors. He said: "For example, our technology transfer alliance with Gem Corporation of Amsterdam, New York establishes our manufacturing, warehousing and administration presence in the US.

"This means that we now have our American manufacturing located close to key raw material supply sources.

"Similarly, Monadnock Nonwovens' (Pennsylvania) high performance meltblown technology meshes well with our specialist air and liquid filtration applications."

The aim is to strengthen the company's international manufacturing, sales and distribution networks and to offer Web's US customers a fast and reliable nationwide delivery service covering the full range of its products.

"This is part of our strategy to build partnerships and to share knowledge with companies throughout the global technical textiles sector," Mr Woodbridge added. Web Dynamics' advanced bonding and processing technologies enable high performance materials to be produced for product markets ranging from breathable underlays for the roofing industry to lightweight outdoor fashion leisurewear.

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