Wichita-based and Austrian companies partner to advance U.S. aerospace manufacturing

Fiber Dynamics, a Wichita-based leader in aerospace composites, and Austrian engineering company FILL have announced a strategic partnership to expand advanced composite manufacturing capabilities in the United States.

The collaboration, supported by Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), represents a significant step in reshoring manufacturing and strengthening America’s aerospace supply chain.

The partnership was formally announced on June 16 at the Air Capital of the World chalet at the Paris Air Show, one of the industry’s most prestigious global stages.

“This partnership is about growing the capacity to manufacture right here in the United States,” said Darrin Teeter, Founder and CEO/CTO of Fiber Dynamics. “With FILL’s automation technology and NIAR’s research depth, we’re scaling our advanced processes and tooling capabilities to meet rising demand across aerospace and defense.”

Founded in Wichita over 34 years ago, Fiber Dynamics is recognized for its industry-first lost core tooling methodologies. These methodologies enable customers to manufacture integrated composite structures for flight control surfaces, propeller blades and other complex aerospace components in a single molding operation.

In 2024, Fiber Dynamics partnered with FILL USA, Inc., the U.S. Subsidiary of Austria-based FILL GmbH, to help scale the company’s novel manufacturing and tooling processes and deepen its investment in the U.S. market.

“Bringing together FILL’s state-of-the-art systems with Fiber Dynamics’ manufacturing knowledge and NIAR’s research expertise creates a powerful platform for growth,” said Andreas Fill, Second Generation Owner, CEO of FILL. “This partnership underscores our shared commitment to U.S. production and global competitiveness.”

FILL’s technology is already making an impact. Through work with NIAR’s Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS), the company has developed industry-first capabilities for the ultra-high-rate manufacturing of thermoplastic composite structures.

“Through FILL USA, we’re not just delivering technology—we’re building a future footprint in the U.S.,” said Martin Reiter, CFO and Managing Director of FILL USA. “This partnership marks a turning point in how the U.S. can competitively and sustainably produce advanced composites at scale.”

“The collaboration between NIAR, Fiber Dynamics and FILL is a prime example of how local businesses can use the expertise and technology available at NIAR to broaden their scope and capabilities and compete in the global market,” said Dr. John Tomblin, WSU Senior Vice President for Industry and Defense Programs and Executive Director of NIAR.

Global Investment Fueled by Local Collaboration

A key milestone in this international collaboration occurred on June 12, when a Kansas delegation visited FILL’s Austrian headquarters ahead of the Paris Air Show. Participants included Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson, Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner, Kansas Department of Commerce officials and Greater Wichita Partnership leadership.

The delegation toured FILL’s facility, learned about its innovative workforce development model, and demonstrated Wichita’s commitment to global partnerships and economic growth.

“Wichita continues to lead the way in aerospace and advanced manufacturing,” said Mayor Lily Wu. “This partnership is a perfect example of what’s possible when industry, innovation and education unite. It’s a win for our workforce, our economy and our global reputation.”

“This collaboration reflects the kind of momentum we’re seeing across our region,” added Jeff Fluhr, President of the Greater Wichita Partnership. “International companies are increasingly choosing Wichita to invest and grow, and NIAR is proving to be a powerful catalyst for turning R&D into real-world impact.

Future-Focused Manufacturing for a Stronger America

This strategic partnership will enable automated manufacturing of composite parts, from fiber to fully inspected finished parts, for both commercial aerospace and defense applications, as well as other high-performance industries. As FILL USA, Inc. continues to install systems in the U.S. market, the company plans to expand its current brick-and-mortar presence and establish a U.S.-based Technology and Applications Center.

The companies will continue joint development, reinforcing Wichita's position as a global leader in aerospace innovation and a hub for next-generation composite manufacturing.