“The paper industry has been contracting in North America over the last several years. Many paper machines have been permanently shut down across North America,” said Dave Pretty, president, Xerium North America and Europe PMC. “The demand for our products has been affected by these events. As a result, we are adjusting the way we do business and consolidating our roll cover operations in North America. By taking this action we can strengthen our focus on our customers’ needs and continue to offer them the newest roll covering, bowed roll and mechanical service technology in the industry.”

Stowe Woodward is a recognized leader in roll technology in the papermaking industry. Stowe Woodward will maintain its leadership position in the North American paper industry with state of the art facilities strategically located in Kelso, Washington; Neenah, Wisconsin; Middletown, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Griffin, Georgia; Ruston, Louisiana; and Concord, New Hampshire in the United States; and in Queretaro, Mexico.

Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:XRM - News) is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of two types of consumable products used primarily in the production of paper: clothing and roll covers. The company, which operates around the world under a variety of brand names, uses a broad portfolio of patented and proprietary technologies to provide customers with tailored solutions and products integral to production, all designed to optimize performance and reduce operational costs. With 32 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries around the world, Xerium has approximately 3300 employees.