INDUSTRY: Advanced Materials
Services: Site Selection
Location: Roussillon, France
Capital Investment
Countries Evaluated
Hexcel is a global leader in advanced lightweight composites technology. Hexcel’s broad product range includes carbon fiber, specialty reinforcements, prepregs and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, honeycomb, resins, engineered core, and composite structures for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial applications. Hexcel was established in 1948 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
Global Location Strategies was commissioned by Hexcel, American public industrial materials company, to identify a location for a carbon fiber plant in Europe. The project required a chemical park with existing transportation and utility infrastructure to meet the project’s needs. Ease of permitting for air emissions and wastewater treatment were also key considerations.
Considering Hexcel’s project requirements, GLS evaluated 63 sites across 17 countries. Of those, 38 made it through the first round of screening and went on to an in-depth round of additional screening and financial and qualitative analysis. GLS then executed nine site visits for the remaining shortlist, eventually getting down to three remaining finalists.
In 2014, Hexcel announced its selection of Roussillon, France for its $250 million carbon fiber plant.
In 2018, the 37-acre site opened at the Osiris Chemicals Industry Platform in Roussillon, which is close to Hexcel’s weaving and prepreg manufacturing facilities near Lyon. 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.
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