Cytec says both projects support growing demand for its composite materials in the aerospace industry.
The project in South Carolina will provide additional capacity for manufacture of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibre production, including precursor manufacturing and carbonisation. Cytec uses these fibres in the manufacture of prepregs which are used in both commercial and military aerospace applications.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Industrial fibre production is expected to start in 2015, followed by aerospace qualified fibre production in 2016.
The Texas project includes a building expansion and associated infrastructure to support a new impregnation line which will increase the site’s prepreg capacity by 20%. Commercial production in the new facility is expected to begin in 2015.
| Aerospace manufacturers are increasingly turning to composite materials to reduce aircraft weight and improve fuel efficiency. Our investments in carbon fibre and prepreg show our commitment to supporting the industry growth by optimizing supply capability for our customers. |
| Bill Wood, President, Engineered Materials, Cytec |
The combined expansions will provide capacity for growing demand from the Joint Strike Fighter, new Boeing progammes such as 787 and 747-8, new Bombardier programmes, and general build rate increases in Cytec’s legacy civil transport, business jet, and helicopter businesses.
