ROCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Albany International Corp. (NYSE:AIN) Chairman Emeritus J. Spencer Standish died on Thursday, September 22, at the age of 91. During his tenure at the Company, Mr. Standish carried his family’s legacy through the twentieth and into the twenty-first century. That legacy began in 1921 when Mr. Standish’s father, John C. Standish, joined Albany International as superintendent of the Albany, NY, manufacturing operations. Spencer Standish began his career with the Company in 1952 as assistant superintendent for its Canadian subsidiary (the first expansion of the company outside of the United States); he rose through the ranks to Division President, Vice Chairman, and, in 1984, Chairman, a position he held until his retirement in 1998, when he was named Chairman Emeritus and was succeeded on the Albany Board of Directors by his son, John C. Standish and daughter, Christine L. Standish.

While at the helm of the Company, he guided its efforts to dramatically expand its international presence and solidify its position as the paper machine clothing industry’s technology leader. In 1969, he was instrumental in the merger of Albany Felt Company with Appleton Wire Works and Nordiskafilt AB to form Albany International Corp.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Spencer’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with the Standish family as they grieve the loss and celebrate the life of a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.” said Albany chairman Erland Kailbourne. “Spencer’s legacy is at the very heart of Albany International. Without his contributions and stewardship, Albany would not be what it is today. We remember his leadership with pride and appreciation.”

President and CEO Joe Morone said, “Even though Spencer is the central figure in Albany International’s history, he never took his eyes off our future. As Chairman, and then as Chairman Emeritus, he was a steadfast champion of investment in R&D and new business development. The Standish family has been a driving force in Albany’s success for almost 100 years, striving always for that rare balance between strong financial performance in the near term and commitment to technology and market leadership for the long term. Spencer’s personal example inspires all of us at Albany International to carry out our mission with the same passion that he did.”

While Albany International stands as a testament to Spencer’s business accomplishments, distinguished awards and active engagement with educational and philanthropic organizations speak to his humanitarian achievements. He served as a director and President of the United Way of Northeastern New York and as a director of the United Way of New York State; he had a thirty-year involvement with the American Red Cross, serving as a director and chapter chairman of the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York, and for six years as a member of the National Board of Governors.

Spencer was a trustee of Siena College, Albany Medical Center, and the Albany Medical College, as well as president and trustee of the State University at Albany Foundation and Vestry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Albany.

Mr. Standish received numerous honors including the inaugural Capital Region Business Hall of Fame Award and Citizen Laureate from the University of Albany Foundation.

Spencer Standish was a graduate of Albany Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Textiles from the Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Albany Medical College.

About Albany International Corp.

Albany International Corp. is a global advanced textiles and materials processing company, with two core businesses. Machine Clothing is the world's leading producer of custom-designed fabrics and belts essential to production in the paper, nonwovens, and other process industries. Albany Engineered Composites is a rapidly growing supplier of highly engineered composite parts for the aerospace industry. Albany International is headquartered in Rochester, New Hampshire, operates 22 plants in 10 countries, employs 4,400 people worldwide, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol AIN). Additional information about the Company and its products and services can be found at www.albint.com.

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