Boeing is at the centre of a new collaborative joint venture that brings together two US and two Malaysian companies to produce composite parts for commercial aircraft.
The venture, to be known as Asian Composite Manufacturing, is made up of Boeing, Hexcel of the US, and Malaysian companies Sime Darby Berhad and Malaysian Helicopter Services.
Shipped
Contractual terms of the planned venture are expected to be completed later this year.
Composite parts will be produced in Alor Setar in northern Malaysia, then shipped to Hexcel's factory in Washington state in the US.
"Malaysia has been a long-time Boeing customer and its vision to become a high technology hub for Asia clearly positions the country to be a leader," says Phil Condit, Boeing chairman and chief executive officer.
Produced
Creation of this comprehensive composites factory in Malaysia "-will generate substantial benefits for all four partners, and Boeing customers as well." Asian Composite Manufacturing will produce composite parts that are currently produced by Boeing and Hexcel. The new factory is expected to be completed within 22 months and will employ 375 people.
First parts will be delivered in mid-2000. They will consist of secondary structural assemblies on commercial aircraft, including wing fairings.
Source: Flight Daily News
