AAF International expands capabilities at Washington plant
Published 2:55 pm Tuesday, June 25, 2024
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Chief Operations Officer Paul Sennett (left) with Washington Mayor Pro-Tem Anthony Tyre cut the ribbon to celebrate an expansion of capabilities at the AAF International plant in Washington. (Holly Jackson/WDN)
To keep up with a robust manufacturing industry, AAF International, a member of the Daikin Group, has re-launched their facility on their Washington campus. AAF International is better known locally as Flanders Filters.
The current facility has been upgraded to produce the highest technology of filters for several industries including microelectronics, pharmaceutical, nuclear power and electric vehicle batteries.
These industries need the highest quality of filtration, because even a minuscule particle of contamination can destroy the atmosphere and manufacturing process.
Chief Operations Officer, Paul Sennett said the re-launch at AAF International happened now, because of the large amount of post-pandemic investments being poured into the American manufacturing industry.
“We’re investing in Washington, because it has great people, and the plant has the capability to manufacture at a much higher volume than its previously done before, which is going to drive job growth and job sustainability,” Sennett said.
The $20 million upgrade is anticipated to bring in 20 new jobs, he said.
Sennett said Flanders has stayed in Washington, because of the more than 300 “very good” people who are employed there.
Jaime Burbage is the purchasing manager for the high purity division. She has worked for AAF International since she was a teenager. At 17, she started as an apprentice in an engineering division.
“I’ve loved the opportunities I’ve been given and truly appreciate all of the people that I have worked with these past 24 years, and I look forward to the years to come,” Burbage said. “As we build the future with this new clean room upgrade, we are bringing more opportunities for people like me.”
AAF International is the world’s leading manufacturer of air filtration solutions, operates production, warehousing and distribution facilities in 22 countries across four continents, their website states. It was formed in 2016 when American Air Filter Co. Inc, acquired Flanders Corp., now a wholly owned subsidiary. “ The combined company offers comprehensive, innovative air filtration solutions designed to remove and control airborne particulates and gaseous contaminants in residential, commercial, industrial, cleanroom, transportation and nuclear power applications.”
Flanders Corp., opened its doors in 1950 in Riverhead, N.Y., but moved to Washington in 1969.
