By
the early 1900's, paper and paper products
had come to play an increasingly
important part in consumers' lives and their
manufacture had become a well-
established industry in the United States.
But
the reeds used in the paper manufacturing
process were all manufactured outside the
United States , and when World War I broke
out, it became impossible to import them.
And
so, in 1918, United States Fourdrinier Wire
Weavers decided to try its hand at
reed manufacturing. Its new venture, called
Liberty Reed Co., was launched inside the
former Lindsay Wire Weaving Company facilities
in Cleveland, Ohio. Eventually, only
Liberty Reed was able to supply reeds to this
industry.
But
postwar Europe lost no time in refitting and
revitalizing its reed manufacturing industry.
European research and development eventually
produced the all-metal
solder reed, which became standard equipment
for the new generation of weaving machines.
With the passing of time, Liberty Reed had
been slow to react to this market trend and
found its products and techniques outdated.
But
at that point a leading competitor, seeing
the opportunity for a solid
foothold in the American market, stepped in,
relocated the company to South Carolina and
refitted it with all new machinery. And during
its startup phase in 1983, Liberty Reed scored
a major technological breakthrough:
The
Epoxy Reed
In May of 1991, the company made its last
solder reed.
The
epoxy reed eliminated the health concerns
associated with the lead-based solder reed.
Moreover, its strength and flexibility optimized
customers' fabric quality. Today, Liberty
Reed manufactures epoxy forming fabric, press
felt and dryer felt reeds for the paper industry,
as well as wire weaving reeds for dandy rolls,
mosquito screening and filters for air bag
systems. And customers around the world look
to Liberty Reed for quality, dependability
and service.
After
repeated calls from the Textile weaving sector
Liberty Reed decided in 2003 to invest in
new equipment to be able to produce the highest
quality Air Jet Reeds.
