Futura joins forces with Focus at expanded facility in Lucca, Italy

LUCCA, Italy, May 23, 2008 (Press Release) - Tissue converting specialist Futura has joined forces with winding and slitting specialist Focus to make better use of management skills and to ensure a coordinated approach for the next expansion phase. The two Faper Group companies will operate from a single, considerably extended manufacturing facility and headquarters in Lucca, Italy.

Several key roles which span both companies have been announced. Fabio Capuano will be sales director, Giovacchino Giurlani technical director and Marco Dell’Osso marketing & corporate communications director. The combined operations will come under the chairmanship of Fabio Perini.

Focus will move its operations to Futura’s site, where an additional 4,000 sq m of manufacturing space has already been acquired. The move is expected to be complete by September this year.

Both company names will remain, as they are strongly associated with new, innovative technologies which are becoming widely recognised in the market.

Marco Dell’Osso said: "It had become clear to us that our market knowledge and technical resources would be even more effective if we worked together at a deeper level than just as fellow members of the same group. Our products are complementary, and many individuals in both organisations have broad experience right across the tissue spectrum. It is clear that we have worked together as companies to a great extent already, but this latest move removes all barriers to full cooperation.

"With a strong expansion of our customer base worldwide, now is the right time to combine our resources so as to maximise these opportunities."