First-time Asian Aerospace exhibitor Hexcel is splashing out $100 million on a new carbonfibre plant in Madrid, to help combat a shortage of the material, used in aircraft panels.
The new factory will be the first carbonfibre plant in Spain. Combined with some enhancements to existing facilities in the USA, Hexcel’s global carbonfibre capacity will be increased by around 50% by 2008.
“There is a worldwide shortage of carbonfibre,” says Hexcel communications manager Rachel Woolerton, “due to the fast rate at which it is being used by new aircraft programmes.”
Hexcel has provided material for aviation projects including the Airbus A380 and A320.
Source: Flight Daily News