Construction has finally begun on a China-based composite parts-making centre established by Boeing, Hexcel and China Aviation Industry Corp I (AVIC I).The venture is known as BHA Aero Composite Parts and is to be based at Tanggu Maritime New and High-Technology Zone at Tianjin near Beijing. BHA Aero is 33.3%-owned by each of the three partners, which have established the company with a registered capital base of $20 million. It is expected to deliver its first parts in the fourth quarter of 2001 and by the time full production is reached at a later date will employ 375 people. Composite parts for aircraft to be made include fairing panels, inspection access doors and interior door liners. Manufactured parts are to be delivered to Hexcel¹s plant at Kent in Washington for final assembly. Boeing, Hexcel and state-owned AVIC I - which until last year was known as Aviation Industries of China - announced plans for the establishment of BHA Aero in January 1998. The venture was to have delivered its first parts this month although the schedule has slipped. The two US-based partners are also establishing an aircraft component manufacturing centre in Malaysia that is expected to produce its first parts by January. That centre, Asian Composites Manufacturing, is jointly owned by Boeing, Hexcel and Malaysian companies Naluri and Sime Darby, each with a 25% stake.
Source: Flight Daily News
