Renewable Energy
Untapped Potential for Composite Companies
When it comes to renewable energy, America seems to be the kid dragging his feet during an intense game of football. President Obama has stated his desire for the U.S. to be ranked at least number two in the world for renewable energy. So far, it’s not even close to that. Small countries such... »
The Emotional Side of Composite Consumerism
Composites have a unique ability to customize content to meet varying needs said Bonnie Webster, vice president of Monroe Industries. Her company makes and sells custom showers, counter tops and other products for consumer use. She said the mistake most manufacturers and distributors make is not advertising the green components of their... »
Composites in the News Last Week
The week was full of exciting announcements from universities. Researchers at Imperial College London are developing a new nanoscale material, a mix of carbon fiber and polymer resin, which could eventually act as both the battery and body of electric cars. Meanwhile, another U.K.-based university is teaming up with Airbus and GKN to research... »
Q&A: Composite Consultant’s Tips to Optimize the Market Upswing
In 2007 Ray MacNeil, a COMPOSITES 2010 general session speaker, left his job at PPG Industries, where he’d worked for 35 years, and began consulting. With a background in sales and marketing, strategic planning and business analysis, MacNeil does market research and development for a variety of companies within the composites industry. This experience... »
Composites in the News Last Week
Some U.S. operations took a hit this week. Construction parts manufacturer Martin Marietta Composites shut down its Sparta plant, eliminating 40 jobs. The company cited decreased product demand as a key factor in the decision. Meanwhile, truck parts maker Core Molding Technologies Inc. is moving 90 jobs from its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio to... »
Composites in the News Last Week
Some companies are defying the winter weather blanketing much of the Northern Hemisphere by gearing up for summer recreation. Zipp Speed Weaponry, which manufactures high-end bicycle components, invested $12.4 million in a new manufacturing center in Indianapolis, which will create 105 jobs by 2013. Hermes Sport is now distributing carbon fiber bicycle components. The... »
China Opens Up in an Effort to Jump Ahead
Last week a state media China Business News reported that the Chinese government was scrapping restrictions on the use of foreign parts in wind power turbines. China, which relies on coal for more than 70 percent of its energy, is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases. »
Wind Energy Council Exec Names Fastest-Growing Markets
The General for the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) is a hybrid association that represents companies and regional associations from around the world. As a global voice, its members include companies like GE and Clipper from the U.S., as well as many within Europe. As the GWEC’s General Secretary, Steve Sawyer is privy to... »
Iowa Professor Turns Crops Into Composites
David Grewell is assistant professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and the chair of the Biopolymers and Biocomposites Research Team at Iowa State University. The research team, which operates under the Center for Crops Utilization Research (CCUR) umbrella, was founded to develop new uses for Iowa crops. »
Composites in the News Last Week
A look at the news this week: The Danish National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy announced a breakthrough in efficient energy generation—lasers. A laser-based anemometer built into the spinner will predict how the wind blows. Hyundai is showcasing its first plug-in hybrid, Blue-Will. Composite experts at NASA Langley are testing the new all-composite space capsule... »
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