Lydall has split its Thermal/Acoustical business into two separate new entities – Fibers and Metals.

The new Thermal/Acoustical Fibers business manufactures weight-saving underbody, under-bonnet and interior parts for customers including Ford and GM.

It was responsible for 21% or $82 million of Lydall’s record 2011 sales of $384 million, but incurred an operating loss of approximately $3 million.

Lydall estimates it has just a 2% share of the market for these products, in which it faces stiff competition from companies including Borgers, Carcoustics, CTA, Janesville and Form Fiber Technologies.