Hexcel launches site for new carbon fiber plant in Roussillon, France and announces capacity expansions at nearby weaving and prepreg facilities

At a special ceremony in France today, Hexcel welcomed guests to the site in Roussillon where it will invest $250 million in the construction of a carbon fiber plant. Hexcel presented plans for the new facility to local dignitaries, customers, media representatives and Hexcel employees.

Nick Stanage, Hexcel Chairman, CEO and President, presided over the event with the support of André Vallini, French Secretary of State for Territorial Reform and Didier Evrard, Airbus EVP and Head of Programs. Mr. Stanage said, “Together with our capacity expansions in the U.S., this new facility in France will strengthen our global supply chain by adding precursor and additional carbon fiber capacity in Europe.”

Carbon fiber from the new plant will be supplied to Hexcel customers including Airbus for the A350 XWB and Safran for the CFM LEAP engine.Construction of the new plant will begin by September 2015 and is expected to employ 120 people when fully operational in early 2018. Today Hexcel employs close to 1000 people in France.

The Roussillon facility is located close to Hexcel's weaving and prepreg manufacturing facilities near Lyon. At today's event, Mr. Stanage announced further investments totaling $22 million at these existing facilities to include capacity expansions at Hexcel's carbon fiber weaving plant at Les Avenières, and an additional resin impregnation line in Dagneux, Montluel. These additional investments are expected to create 100 more jobs by 2018.