Eastman Chemical announced that it is expanding production capacity for a new type of performance fibres at Yadkinville, North Carolina. Construction at the expansion has already been completed, with production expected to start up later this month. The fibres, branded Avra, are "enabled by a proprietary spinning technology", meaning that fabrics made from them dry up faster than conventional polyester fabrics. The capacity at Yadkinville will be used to meet current and expected demand from North-American performance apparel markets.