Hexcel Investing $200M In Alabama Expansion

The company will expand its carbon fiber manufacturing plant, adding 90 jobs to its existing workforce in Decatur.

The existing Hexcel Corp. production site in Decatur, AL has been selected by the company for its first integrated U.S. carbon fiber and PAN production facility. When completed and fully operational, the expansion will add about 90 new jobs to Hexcel’s existing workforce in Decatur.

Decatur.
Hexcel leaders joined officials from Alabama and Morgan County to announce the company’s $200 million expansion in (Photo: Alabama Department of Commerce)

The project is part of the company’s strategic plan to ramp up production of advanced composites to meet increasing demand in the aerospace and industrial markets. Production is expected to begin in 2021.

Hexcel conducted a comprehensive study for the project before choosing to expand in Decatur, according toNick Stanage, Chairman, CEO and President .

“We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to Decatur, to the State of Alabama and to our existing team at the plant,” said Stanage. “We looked around the world at possible locations for this expansion, and the people of Alabama made it clear that Decatur would be the right choice.”

“Hexcel’s expansion plan underscores the company’s confidence in its loyal Alabama workforce and reflects the strong partnership that has been built in Decatur,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “I look forward to seeing Hexcel’s Alabama operation continue to grow and thrive.”

Connecticut-based Hexcel, which was founded in 1948, operates 22 manufacturing sites with more than 6,100 workers. Sales last year totaled $2 billion. The Decatur facility produces polyacrylonitrile, or PAN, a precursor of carbon fiber.

Decatur.
Hexcel supplies Airbus with carbon fiber materials for its A350 aircraft, shown here in a flyover of the Mobile Aeroplex. (Photo: Airbus)

“Alabama stands in the center of the emerging Southeastern aerospace cluster, and we want to penetrate all levels of the industry supply chain,” added Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The growth of companies such as Hexcel shows that we are positioned for an expanding role in that supply chain.”

According to the Morgan County Economic Development Association (MCEDA), Hexcel’s investment in the expansion project is approximately $200 million, adding to previous investment totaling $691 million in the facility.

“This exciting announcement for Morgan County reinforces our qualified workforce and competitive location. We appreciate Hexcel’s investment and look forward to their continued growth in Morgan County,” said Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long.

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