Hexcel invests in carbon fibre plant, eyes aerospace industry

STAMFORD—Hexcel Corporation is raising its carbon fibre production capacity through the addition of new precursor and carbon fibre lines in Roussillon, France. The project entails $250 million investment and  also includes Quality Control laboratories and offices.

This latest facility is part of Hexcel’s ongoing worldwide investment to create a diversified and robust global supply chain to support aerospace customers’ growing demand for carbon fibre composites. The past few years saw the company raising precursor and carbon fibre capacities at its U.S. facilities. The company is also installing its industry-leading 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 fiber capacity in Europe.

The new plant in Roussillon will occupy a 37 acre site at the Osiris Chemicals Industry Platform and is near 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.