Hexcel Corp. (Stamford, Conn.; www.hexcel.com) has formed a joint venture with Chinese aerospace parts manufacturer Future Aerospace to establish a materials testing lab in China. Shanghai Future Aerospace Hexcel Commercial Composite Testing Ltd. will be located in Lingang and will provide a world-class laboratory for the Shanghai area, offering testing services to commercial aerospace industries in China and Asia Pacific.
This new facility will provide China with an aerospace standard material test laboratory to ease material qualification and support certification for new programs. Expected activities at the site include the testing of composite laminate specimens, material qualifications, and support for customers’ supply chains in China.
Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President, Aerospace – Europe, Middle East and Asia, said: “I am delighted that we are joining with Future Aerospace to establish this world-class composite materials testing facility in China. This investment is in response to local customer demand and demonstrates our commitment to support the commercial aerospace industry’s growing use of composite materials in China.”
Han Hua, Chairman, Future Aerospace said: “We are pleased to partner with Hexcel. The collaboration enables Future Aerospace and Hexcel to play a key role in supporting the development and implementation of composite material applications in commercial aerospace industries in China for both Chinese and global aerospace customers.”
Operations at the new site are expected to begin in September 2018 and will include the manufacture of composite coupons for mechanical testing, building on the work that Hexcel already carries out for the aerospace industry at facilities in Europe and the U.S. with expertise in structural composite testing and qualifications.
Future Aerospace is a technology-led aircraft and aerospace engine parts and components integrated manufacturer and service provider, fully owned by Xinjiang Machinery Research Institute Co., Ltd. (MRI). Products manufactured by Future Aerospace include aircraft structure components and aerospace engine components for customers including Honeywell, AVIC, AECC, CASC and CASIC.