Hexcel & Future Aerospace to Open Composites Test Lab in Shanghai, China Mainly for Commercial Aerospace Industry
Leading advanced composites manufacturer Hexcel announced on May 31, 208 that it has formed a joint venture with Chinese aerospace parts manufacturer Future Aerospace to establish a materials-testing lab in China. Shanghai Future Aerospace Hexcel Commercial Composite Testing Limited will be located in Lingang and will provide a world-class laboratory for the Shanghai area, offering testing services to commercial aerospace industries in China and Asia Pacific.
This new facility will provide China with an aerospace standard material test laboratory to ease material qualification and support certification for new programs. Expected activities at the site include the testing of composite laminate specimens, material qualifications, and support for customers’ supply chains in China.
Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President, Aerospace – Europe, Middle East and Asia, said: “I am delighted that we are joining with Future Aerospace to establish this world-class composite materials testing facility in China. This investment is in response to local customer demand and demonstrates our commitment to support the commercial aerospace industry’s growing use of composite materials in China.”
Han Hua, Chairman, Future Aerospace said: “We are pleased to partner with Hexcel. The collaboration enables Future Aerospace and Hexcel to play a key role in supporting the development and implementation of composite material applications in commercial aerospace industries in China for both Chinese and global aerospace customers.”
The operations at the new site are expected to begin in September 2018 and will include the manufacture of composite coupons for mechanical testing, building on the work that Hexcel already carries out for the aerospace industry at facilities in Europe and the U.S. with expertise in structural composite testing and qualifications.
Aerospace dominates the global composites testing market, according to Stratview Research’s report on composites testing. Increasing production rates of key commercial and regional aircraft, such as B737, B787, A350XWB, A320, and Bombardier C Series, development of new aircraft or variant of existing programs, such as B737max, A320neo, B777x, and A330 neo, introduction of more stringent regulations, and increasing penetration of composites are the major drivers of the market, according to the report.
The report also sited Asia-Pacific to witness the highest growth in the coming years, driven by China. Development of indigenous commercial, regional, and military aircraft, such as COMAC C919, ARJ21, and Mitsubishi MRJ, commencement of assembly plants of major commercial aircraft, such as A320 in the China, the highest wind turbine installation, and increasing penetration of composites in the transportation industry are some of the major growth drivers of the region.
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News Source: Hexcel
Image Source: Admet
