Hexcel Corporation Investing $250 Million Into New Carbon Fiber Plant In Roussilon, France
A new carbon fiber manufacturing plant is now set to be developed in Roussilon, France, by Hexcel Corporation, according to recent reports.
The move will see the company invest $250 million in the development of the plant — which is set to find home at a 37-acre site at the Osiris Chemicals Industry Platform in Roussillon. The new plant will reportedly feature both polymerization and carbonization lines.
The development of the new facility is intended as part of Hexcel’s plan to fully develop a strong supply chain for the material (via the aerospace industry, the auto industry, etc).
The BMW i3, for example, uses a carbon fiber body to make the vehicle lighter than it would otherwise be, helping to make it the most “fuel efficient” car on the US market. BMW is also aiming to jack up its use of carbon fiber, using it in other models (such as the next BMW 7 series), and Ford is also getting into the carbon fiber game. Lux Research sees carbon fiber going “mainstream” by 2025.
–> Recommended: BMW Wants To Bring Carbon Fiber Costs Down 90%
Hexcel Chairman, CEO, and President Nick Stanage commented: “Together with our capacity expansions in the US, this new facility in France will strengthen our global supply chain by adding precursor and additional carbon fiber capacity in Europe.”
It’s currently expected that construction on the new facility will begin in September, and that completion will occur by 2018. Once completed, the plant is expected to employ roughly 120 people.
In addition to the new facility, Hexcel’s will also be investing $22 million into existing weaving and prepreg manufacturing facilities in the immediate area.
Image Credits: Zachary Shahan | CleanTechnica | EV Obsession (CC BY-SA 4.0); Hexcel ©
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