Besides the existing fabric and braiding machines, this new production facility will be equipped with a wide range of customized, highly automated production lines. Continuous production up to seven days a week is planned at the new location, with full production capacity expected in the second half of 2015.
The facility in Rheine will be used primarily for the production of carbon fiber preforms (semifinished products) for the automotive and aviation industry. It will also produce a glass fiber fabric, which is already used in automotive series production in the form of leaf springs for the Volvo XC 90 as well as in the commercial vehicle sector. The location will also be home to the SGL Kümpers development department, which plans and develops technologies for series production in vehicle construction.
The joint venture was founded in 2007 by SGL Group – The Carbon Company and Kümpers GmbH. From 2006 to 2013 its sales increased from €10 million to almost €40 million per year.
