Curt G. Joa, Inc.

Curt G. Joa, Inc. (JOA) is a United States-based manufacturer of converting machinery for disposable hygiene, absorbent, and medical products. Established during the Great Depression, the company traces its origins to founder Curt G. Joa, who in 1932 applied for his first patent introducing automation to disposable hygiene product manufacturing, leading to the first feminine sanitary napkin machine. JOA remains in its third generation of family ownership and describes itself as a global leader in converting technology. In 2024 it acquired the Italian manufacturer Cellulose Converting Solutions (CCS), expanding its worldwide footprint and technology portfolio.

Curt G. Joa, Inc. (JOA) was established during the Great Depression. In 1932, founder Curt G. Joa applied for his first patent, which introduced automation to disposable hygiene product manufacturing; his invention led to the creation of the first feminine sanitary napkin machine. The company has continued to innovate for nearly 90 years and remains in its third generation of family ownership. In 2018, Rick Michaletz was announced as new company president, with former president Gene Kiela II moving into the role of chairman of the board. In 2019, the Infinity Roll was nominated as one of the best new equipment innovations of 2019 at the IDEA® Achievement Awards. In 2020, the JOA East Asia office was announced as JOA's newest Asian branch. In 2022, JOA celebrated its 90th anniversary. In 2023, JOA designed and built the first Dry Molded Fiber machine platform in North America and won the EDANA Index™23 Innovation Award for its patented ESC-8™ Electronic Size Change Unit. In 2024, JOA opened a new European office located in Pescara, Italy, and announced the acquisition of Italian manufacturer Cellulose Converting Solutions (CCS).

Global leader in converting technology for disposable hygiene, absorbent, and medical products, emphasizing engineering excellence, high-speed high-performance platforms, and lifecycle support.

• Disposable Hygiene Machining Platforms

  Platforms for converting nonwovens into next-gen solutions for disposable hygiene, absorbent, and medical products.

• ESC-8™ Electronic Size Change Unit

  Patented unit that won the EDANA Index™23 Innovation Award.

• Infinity Roll

  Nominated as one of the best new equipment innovations of 2019 at the IDEA® Achievement Awards.

1. 1Disposable Hygiene Machine | Curt G. Joa, Inc.joa.com
2. 2JOA Company History | Curt G. Joa, Inc.joa.com
3. 3Brands - Curt G. Joa, Inc.joa.com