Hexcel adds that the $250 million investment will also include the associated Quality Control laboratories and offices.
According to Hexcel, the new facility is part of its investment to create a diversified and global supply chain to support aerospace customers’ growing demand for carbon fibre composites. In recent years Hexcel has increased its precursor and carbon fibre capacities through targeted expansions at existing facilities.
Most notably, Hexcel is investing in precursor and carbon fibre expansions at its U.S. facilities and is currently installing resin mixing and filming technology – first developed in Europe – in the U.S. The new facility in France is the next step in support of European customers, enhancing the supply chain by adding precursor and additional carbon fibre capacity in Europe.
The new French plant will occupy a 37 acre site at the Osiris Chemicals Industry Platform in Roussillon, which is close to Hexcel’s weaving and prepreg manufacturing facilities near Lyon. Carbon fibre from the new plant will be supplied to Hexcel customers including Airbus for the A350 XWB and Safran for the CFM LEAP engine.
Construction of the new plant will begin by mid-2015 and it is expected to employ 120 people when fully operational in early 2018.