 "Cytec and Dralon tie up for industrial grade carbon fibre production")
The US-based Cytec Industries Inc has entered into strategic discussions with Dralon GmbH, the recognised German manufacturer of acrylic fibres, to support the exploration and development of large tow industrial grade carbon fibre. Demand for large tow carbon fibre is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing use in industrial markets such as automotive, whereby OEM manufacturers are actively researching the technology to help them achieve lighter-weight vehicles with greater fuel efficiency.
“Cytec offers a strong channel to market given our position today of supplying high performance automotive applications, as well as our decades of experience supplying carbon fibre composite technology to the aerospace industry. We are actively pursuing the development of carbon fibre based composites for the next addressable serial automotive market. Large scale adoption will necessitate the need for a robust supply chain of industrial grade, or high tow fibres, that offer low cost supply and continuity. We are therefore working with Dralon to evaluate the most appropriate solution to address this market, including potential joint investment,” said Shane Fleming, Chairman, President, and CEO of Cytec Industries.
He added, “Dralon's manufacturing experience in acrylic fibre production, its rich brand identity, and ideal location relative to the target market make for a good strategic partner to explore the possibilities together, including conversion of an existing facility from acrylic to carbon fibre production. As of now we envision operating the carbon fibre production as a separate entity with opportunities to seek additional external partners."
Stefan Braun, CEO, Dralon, commented, “We are excited to develop a precursor and carbon fibre business by leveraging our strong asset base, together with Cytec, a global leader in carbon fibre-based materials. We are investigating conversion of existing Dralon acrylic fibre production lines for the manufacture of high-quality heavy-tow precursor as well as investment in new carbon fibre lines. With our local footprint, we will be able to offer superior security of supply of high quality large tow carbon fibre to the European market.”
“Cytec offers a strong channel to market given our position today of supplying high performance automotive applications, as well as our decades of experience supplying carbon fibre composite technology to the aerospace industry. We are actively pursuing the development of carbon fibre based composites for the next addressable serial automotive market. Large scale adoption will necessitate the need for a robust supply chain of industrial grade, or high tow fibres, that offer low cost supply and continuity. We are therefore working with Dralon to evaluate the most appropriate solution to address this market, including potential joint investment,” said Shane Fleming, Chairman, President, and CEO of Cytec Industries.
He added, “Dralon's manufacturing experience in acrylic fibre production, its rich brand identity, and ideal location relative to the target market make for a good strategic partner to explore the possibilities together, including conversion of an existing facility from acrylic to carbon fibre production. As of now we envision operating the carbon fibre production as a separate entity with opportunities to seek additional external partners."
Stefan Braun, CEO, Dralon, commented, “We are excited to develop a precursor and carbon fibre business by leveraging our strong asset base, together with Cytec, a global leader in carbon fibre-based materials. We are investigating conversion of existing Dralon acrylic fibre production lines for the manufacture of high-quality heavy-tow precursor as well as investment in new carbon fibre lines. With our local footprint, we will be able to offer superior security of supply of high quality large tow carbon fibre to the European market.”