Carbures in JV with Chinese aerospace supplier

GREENVILLE, S.C.,USA -- Carbures, a maker of carbon fiber composite structures, said on Tuesday that it has set up a joint venture with Guanglian Aeronautic Composite Materials Process & Equipment Co. Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of carbon fiber parts for the aviation sector.  

Carbures, one of the newest tenants of the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center, said the creation of the joint venture, Harbin Carbures Guanglian Composite Aeronautic Co., will favorably impact the company’s growth in South Carolina, resulting in 50 new jobs for engineers and designers at its Greenville facility.

Carbures will benefit by obtaining a greater share of aviation work and better access to new Asian markets. Located in Harbin, the new manufacturing facility will be in full operation by 2014.

Ivan Contreras, Carbures USA CEO, said the new venture enhances Carbures’ position as a preferred Tier 2 supplier in the fast-growing Asian market, which is expected to make up 30% of the global aviation marketplace in the next 20 years.

“Working with Guanglian Aeronautic, a Tier 1 company with an outstanding reputation in China, we will be able to accelerate the production of carbon fiber parts for Airbus over the next 10 years,” Mr. Contreras said.

Entry into the China market will enable Carbures to secure a strong position as a supplier for aviation firms as well as Tier 1 suppliers. “This investment will make Carbures the only Tier 2 supplier in the world with a presence in the major aviation markets of China, United States and Europe," Mr. Contreras also said.