JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #45 - November/December 2008 - 8

COMPANIES COMPANIES ACG to play major role in pioneering energy research projects Derbyshire-based Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, is to play a major role in two ground-breaking R&D projects on turbine generators that could have a significant impact on energy efficiency and CO2 emissions, as unveiled on the 29th of September 2008. The projects are worth over £2 million and could lead to a recruitment drive offering exciting job opportunities for local and regional communities. The first project is centred on improving the processes used to manufacture components for tidal turbine generators and improving overall operating efficiencies, while the purpose of the second project is to develop composite materials for power-generating gas turbine applications. www.advanced-composites.co.uk Marcopolo sells MVC to Artecola Marcopolo has transferred the control of MVC’s social capital to Artecola, as announced on September 16, 2008. Since November, MVC, a Brazilian leader in the production of plastic components for various sectors, has been controlled by Artecola Indústrias Químicas (Chemical Industries), which is one of the most important producers of adhesives and special laminated products in Latin America. The company will take control of MVC’s social capital and bring along some new technologies to ensure continued growth, mainly in the automotive sector. www.marcopolo.com.br Boeing to provide R&D for US Army rotorcraft programmes The Boeing Company has won three competitive proposals resulting in U.S. Army technology investment agreements coming to a total of more than $19 million. The agreements with the Army's Aviation Applied Technology Directorate cover applied research and development in support of the Rotor Durability Army Technology Objective (ATO) and the High Performance Rotary Wing Vehicle Designs (HPRWVD) programme, as announced on September 17, 2008. Boeing Advanced Rotorcraft Systems is responsible for all rotorcraft R&D supporting the company's current production lines and future opportunities. It will be conducting the research for the three new agreements in Philadelphia and Mesa, Arizona. www.boeing.com GKN Aerospace acquires Airbus Filton GKN plc announced on September 15, 2008 that it has agreed to acquire the Airbus Filton site in the UK. Airbus has also awarded GKN life-of-programme contracts on all existing Airbus programmes for the Filton operation. GKN has signed contracts for major work packages involving the design and production of large-scale composite structures for the wing of the new A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body) long-haul airliner. In 2009, the first full year under GKN’s ownership, the Filton operation is expected to generate revenues of approximately £375 million and to be both earnings accretive and cash generative. GKN is becoming a leading global player in critical wing structures and composites. The Group order book for large civil aircraft structures has increased from $4.5 billion to approximately $10 billion. The Filton operation is being acquired for a total of £136 million. An initial payment of £100 million will be made on completion, with the balance of £36 million payable in annual instalments over the years 20102015. The Filton wing component and assembly operation employs approximately 1,500 people and has been developed by Airbus as a centre of excellence for wing structures. It supplies the full range of Airbus aircraft including the A320 family, A330/340 family, A380 and A400M. GKN intends to invest £125 million over five years to further develop the Filton business as a global centre of excellence in composite wing structures as part of its participation in the A350 XWB programme. This new-generation aircraft will feature an all-composite wing using the latest composite materials and automated manufacturing technologies. www.aerospace.gknplc.com jec composites magazine / No45 November-December 2008

http://www.advanced-composites.co.uk http://www.marcopolo.com.br http://www.boeing.com http://www.aerospace.gknplc.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #45 - November/December 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #45 - November/December 2008