JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #58 - June - July 2010 - 9

F.T.: The group’s strategic plan takes the form of a great number of projects involving these three BUs, and should lead to solid growth for all three. JCM: What are your next goals in the field of composites? F.T.: To continue developing in wind energy worldwide. To step up our carbon activity by

developing specific lines for direct technologies like RTM and infusion moulding, which are likely to develop intensively in the future. To do so, the group has invested €5M in state-ofthe-art equipment for its plants in Le Cheylard in France’s Ardèche region (multiaxial and weaving technologies) and in Taicang in China (weaving technology).

JCM: In the field of composites – and given the strong competition there – is there an ideal “critical” size? F In our reinforcement business, you .T.: have to be recognized in the market. For that, you need to have a global offering that is innovative and high-performance, and which fosters the development of the composite industry.

solutions worldwide for major global brand names.

Steadily developing composite business
Chomarat is a key player in the composite sector, with benchmark products in many of fields. It designs and manufactures a broad range of textiles, proposing woven and multiaxial solution, Rovicore®, the original sandwich systems, scrims, and thermoplastic reinforcements. Chomarat develops products for the following sectors: transportation (for cowling parts, fenders and roofs for automobiles, trucks, buses and trains); boating and marine (for hulls, decks, cover parts and sails); protective clothing and ballistic protection; building & civil; sports & leisure (high-performance materials for skis, sailboards and swimming pools), and energy (more specifically wind energy).

aims to provide carbon reinforcements that will help the industry develop RTM and infusion technologies. (Similarly to when Chomarat successfully developed a line of glass products specifically tailored for closed-mould production techniques.) At the same time, the group is stepping up its carbon offering. To reach its objectives regarding composite materials and other fields, the group turned to global expansion. Chomarat inaugurated facilities in Tunisia (1976), the United States (1985), and more recently, China (2010). The original site in Ardeche, France contributes to this expansion. Another objective over the next few years is the environment. The industrial water used to treat dyes and sizings is already recycled daily. Flue gas and solvent emissions are collected and treated by incineration to preserve air quality. Like all companies, Chomarat faces many significant challenges, although it seems to draw an indefinable strength from its long, rich history. The spirit of enterprise and innovation is alive and well at Chomarat. We can wager that its fundamental values and long-term vision will take the group far into the future! More information: www.chomarat.com

Rovicore ® , the original sandwich systems, scrims, and thermoplastic reinforcements

Technologies
- Weaving and multiaxials: tapes, glass fabrics, Jacquard weaving, carbon fabrics and multiaxials - Knitting and braiding: warp knitting, Raschel knitting, circular knitting and braiding - Stitching, needling and bonding - Glass, polyester and carbon scrim - Non-wovens - Coating and extrusion - Inkjet and rotary screen printing - Dyeing: yarn and fabric dyeing - Cutting and tailoring

Chomarat became involved with composite materials early with glassfibre weaving in 1957, and in 1962, created a laboratory dedicated to composites. It launched Rovimat ® in 1977 and proposed Aramat ® in 1980 for the production of boat hulls. In early 2010, it opened a production unit in Shanghai for composite reinforcements.

Well-founded objectives
The group integrated its research and development departments in 2004 to better serve all of its business units, with the goal of creating synergies between its different technologies. In the composite sector, Chomarat

No58 June - July 2010 / jec composites magazine

http://www.chomarat.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #58 - June - July 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #58 - June - July 2010