#Composites

2021-01-28

Order-driven enhancement of SGL Carbon’s operations in Arkadelphia progresses

Arkadelphia facility of SGL Carbon © 2021 SGL Carbon

SGL Carbon currently enhances its operations in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, by introducing new production processes for fiber-based composites in order to ramp up its production. SGL Carbon was awarded a substantial contract for composite battery enclosures from a North-American automaker as announced in January 2020. The enhancement reflects an investment into the facility of approximately $4.5 million within three years and will increase the workforce at the site by 35 full-time employees.

Ramp-up of production facility for carbon composites in e-mobility

Investment of approx. $4.5 million within three years, partly supported by public funding

For the investment, the company will also receive public funding from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the City of Arkadelphia and the Clark County. The enhancement of the Arkadelphia operations started in October 2020 and is planned to be fully operational by the end of 2021.

“Composite battery enclosures fit perfectly to the specific needs of modern e-car chassis. Thus, with the ongoing enhancement of our Arkadelphia operations, we also support the great trend towards more e-mobility in the US. In addition, our facility produces a variety of carbon and glass fiber-reinforced products for a wide range of industrial applications within the automotive and aerospace industries as well as the energy sector.”, says Steve Swanson, Vice President of Operations at SGL Composites Inc.

“For decades, SGL Carbon has served as a leading producer of unique graphite and composite materials and manufacturer of products known for their versatile industrial applications. We are happy that the company now expands further at its Arkadelphia location. The strengths of our workforce in south Arkansas, partnered with our low cost of doing business, made Arkadelphia a prime location for SGL Carbon’s new production processes. We look forward to our continued partnership with the company as it embarks on this new endeavor.”, says Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary and Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Mike Preston.

“The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County is pleased to partner with one of our local industries to promote job creation and expansion. This announcement shows our local tax dollars play an important role in encouraging job creation in Clark County.”, says EDCCC Chairman Celya Taylor.

Arkadelphia City Manager Gary Brinkley said, “We are thrilled about the news that SGL will be ramping up its production and hiring additional employees. SGL’s corporate philosophy of partnering with their customers is the same philosophy we follow in Clark County, partnering with our industries for job retention and expansion. The soundness of the Arkadelphia workforce coupled with the quality of life we enjoy in southwest Arkansas is truly a win-win scenario for everyone.”

County Judge Troy Tucker said, “We are excited about the future expansion of SGL Carbon in Clark County and with the future possibilities of this company.”

SGL Carbon decides to restructure its Carbon Fibers business unit

The Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE today decided, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to restructure the loss-making Carbon Fibers business unit. SGL Carbon will significantly reduce the business activities of Carbon Fibers and focus on a profitable core. Individual solutions are being developed for all Carbon Fibers sites, including the closure of unprofitable sites.

SGL Carbon evaluates strategic options for the carbon fibers and appoints Dr. Denis Hinz as new head of the business unit

SGL Carbon SE is currently evaluating various strategic options for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers (CF). These include a possible partial or complete divestment of the Business Unit. In a first step, potential interested parties shall be approached promptly with the general data of the Business Unit to determine their interest in an acquisition. If there is sufficient interest, a structured transaction process will be carried out in a second step.

JEC WORLD 2026 opens: Paris becomes the World Capital of composites

JEC World 2026 opens tomorrow, March 10, at Paris Nord Villepinte, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem for three days of exhibitions, conferences, technical sessions, strategic industry gatherings, and business meetings. As the “festival of composites”, JEC World is also a destination for a broad spectrum of other professional visitors, eager to discover how these advanced materials can offer sustainable solutions to their industries.

Teijin Carbon advances sustainability leadership with EcoVadis, CDP reporting and expanding Tenax Next™ sustainable carbon fiber portfolio

As the composites industry intensifies its focus on measurable environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress, Teijin Carbon announces significant milestones that advance its position among the sector’s most sustainability-driven material suppliers. Teijin Carbon Europe achieved an EcoVadis score of 72/100 in the 2025 assessment, ranking among the top 15% of evaluated companies in its industry.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

RETECH showcases high-precision godets for high-performance fiber processing at Techtextil 2026

RETECH designs and manufactures godets and draw frames for heated, ambient and cooled processes, enabling precise heat treatment and consistently high yarn quality for a wide range of polymers and applications, with process temperatures of up to 400 °C for high-performance fibers. The company’s key competence lies in exact and stable temperature and speed control, individually adapted to the specific material and process requirements.

BW Converting expands Southeast Asian presence with new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia

BW Converting is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia through new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting textile manufacturers across the region. The expansion comes as BW Converting prepares to exhibit at SaigonTex 2026 (April 8–11, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) and INDO INTERTEX 2026 (April 15–18, Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia).