The opening on 18 May 2016 follows a period of significant investment for the UK operation of TenCate Advanced Composites, which has seen growth in its TenCate AmberTool tooling prepreg systems and strong positions in the automotive, Formula 1 and motorsport markets.

The capabilities and capacity have been further enhanced by the award of the AS9100 certificate for its standardized quality management system for the aerospace and automotive industry.

European home of global technology

The technology levels of the Langley Mill plant of TenCate Advanced Composites mirror those of the sister facility in Morgan Hill, CA, USA, in the production of market leading composite materials for aerospace, space and satellite and communications markets.

This technology complements the existing portfolio of products offered from the UK, and will serve both new and existing markets within the EMEA region for industrial and aerospace applications. Together with a doubling of capacity, the extended facility in the UK now houses a carbon-free manufacturing line, which is dedicated to the manufacture of electrically pure materials.

“The opening of our extended factory in the UK is a significant milestone in the growth of TenCate Advanced Composites. Our commitment to serve the European markets with outstanding customer service and certified quality is now further enhanced with high tech, high spec materials and solutions,” commented Frank Meurs, group director of TenCate Advanced Composites.

Partner for composite materials

“Today signifies the next chapter in our penetration into the European aerospace market with thermoset technologies,” said Nick Tiffin, director of sales and marketing of TenCate Advanced Composites.

“The combination of our facilities in the UK and North America position TenCate to be a partner of choice for thermoset composite materials. Furthermore, our market leading thermoplastic capabilities enable us to provide total composite material solutions to our customers on a global scale. Combined with excellent customer service, our high spec products have enabled us to gain qualified positions at leading OEMS and their tiers."

TenCate Advanced Composites

TenCate Advanced Composites is a leader in the development and production of thermoplastic and thermoset prepreg composites. Its product portfolio is incorporated in automotive products, aerospace applications, medical equipment and numerous other industrial applications. TenCate Advanced Composites has production facilities and operations in Europe and North America and distributors in Asia.

Royal Ten Cate is a multinational company that combines textile technology with chemical processes and material technology in the development and production of functional materials with distinctive characteristics. Systems and materials from TenCate come under four areas of application: safety and protection; space and aerospace; infrastructure and the environment; and sport and recreation.

www.tencateadvancedcomposites.com