Loading ...For some in the composites industry, the new year is off to a good start. Vermont Composites, a manufacturer of carbon composite products for the aerospace industry, says it expects to see significant growth in 2010. Vestas received wind turbine orders from both Spain and Poland this week and competitor Suzlon won a 27 MW order from India. DuROCK Alfacing International demonstrated a new two-sided solar PV panel.
Meanwhile, the Crest Center at Southern University received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop new composite materials for use in aerospace, naval, ground and space sectors. Lawrence Technological University has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant to develop composite armor for military vehicles. And finally, after six years, Australia’s North Stradbroke Island has renovated a boardwalk with composite materials made from LOC Composites Pty Ltd. The $221,000 project is meant to emphasize environmental sustainability.
For others, the new year signals a time of change or a break from the past. Green composites manufacturer Paneltech International has completed a reverse merger with Charleston Basics, Inc. to become a publicly-traded corporation. The move expands the company’s access to capital markets for such industries as home, business, industry, education and the military. Decking products manufacturer Fiber Composites has changed its name to Fiberon. The move reflects the company’s desire to create a brand focus as it diversifies its product line. LMI Aerospace made organizational changes after President and COO James McQeeney announced his resignation. Plasan Carbon Composites is suing Las Vegas-based Shelby Automotives, claiming the latter company failed to fully pay for an order of 1,750 automobile kits.
It remains to be seen, but 2010 may be the year composites are adopted more by end users. Ford has unveiled design specifications for its upcoming 2011 Mustang GT. The weight-reducing parts made from composites include the intake manifold and cam covers. BMW is incorporating a thermoplastic underbody shielding made by Takeo Automotive Systems and Quadrant Plastics Composites into its upcoming Z4 model. The shielding, said to cover a large part of the underbody, is designed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Russian-based Sukhoi Company will start delivering its new regional airliner, the Superjet 100 aircraft, in mid-2010. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and CFM International announced that the advanced new LEAP-X1C engine was selected as the sole western power plant to launch the new C919 single-aisle aircraft. Stradalli Cycle released its new 2010 Stradalli Turin high modulus carbon fiber road bike. The online company is marketing the product as a lower-cost model for high-intensity cyclers.
For daily composites updates, subscribe to CM Twitter.
