Rhode Island Composites Alliance (RICA) announces funding
The group has received $175,000 in grant funding, announced at the Providence Boat Show last week.
The Rhode Island Composites Alliance (RICA, Briston, RI, US), a newly-formed partnership of companies and stakeholders focused on growing the composites industry in Rhode Island, has received $175,000 in funding from the Rhode Island Foundation and the van Beuren Charitable Foundation. The announcement was made at a press conference organized by the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) on “Launching into the Future: Growing Rhode Island’s Marine and Composites Industries,” which was held on the opening morning of the Providence Boat Show, on January 23.
Rhode Island dignitaries—including Governor Gina Raimondo, Congressman David Cicilline and Representative Kenneth Marshall, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Jack Reed joining by video—spoke in support of this new statewide initiative.
Governor Raimondo stressed the importance of rebuilding the state’s middle class and creating tens of thousands of family-supporting jobs: “We are going to create good jobs by focusing on industries where Rhode Island can be a leader, such as the marine and composites industry."
Rhode Island’s boat-building industry was an early pioneer in working with composite materials, and this method of building is now used for a wealth of applications including alternative energy, architecture, green technology, defense, construction, aerospace, underwater submersibles, and transportation. The state has a high concentration of composites expertise, coupled with strong education and training capabilities, mold-building capacity, and a long tradition of innovation. There are 75 companies in Rhode Island involved in many aspects of composite building; 35 of these companies are concentrated in the East Bay area (e.g., Bristol, Portsmouth, Fall River).
Rich O’Meara of Core Composites (Bristol, RI, US) gave attendees at the press conference a statistical snapshot of this growing industry. According to figures from the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA, Arlington, VA, US), this industry grew by 6.3% in 2014; the composites industry is projected to grow an average of 6.5% between now and 2020, according to ACMA.
O’Meara also spoke about RICA’s mission to attract companies that need composites expertise and the importance of educating these types of companies about the capabilities resident in Rhode Island: “These companies need to know what we already have here in Rhode Island. Funding from these two foundations will allow us to bring that kind of recognition to this area.”
RICA was formed in May 2014. A month prior, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association partnered with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s office and Roger Williams University to host a roundtable event titled “Beyond Boatbuilding: Expanding Rhode Island’s Composite Cluster.” That event drew a hundred thought leaders from government and industry; the end result was the clear need for a unified approach to exploring the capabilities of the state’s composites industry, its needs, and its ability to create jobs.
RICA currently has some 50 members, including composites companies and regional and national stakeholders. The funding from the Rhode Island Foundation and the van Beuren Charitable Foundation will allow RICA to begin their industry and workforce-development initiatives.
The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) is working with RICA members and stakeholders such as the IYRS School of Composites Technology to launch the organization. RICA programs and activities are projected to mirror the types of industry- and workforce-development initiatives RIMTA has already put in place for the Rhode Island marine trades.
The Providence Boat Show was held at the Rhode Island Convention Center from January 23-25, 2015.
Related Content
9T Labs, Purdue University to advance composites use in structural aerospace applications
Partnership defines new standard of accessibility to produce 3D-printed structural composite parts as easily as metal alternatives via Additive Fusion Technology, workflow tools.
Read MoreLaboratory for Intelligent Lightweight Production at CTC Stade advances digital solutions for industrial composites
Four-year, 12-million-euro LaiLa project with Helmut Schmidt University combines R&D with industry collaboration to solve real production pain points, validate solutions in digital lab/model factory at CTC and transfer knowledge to supply chain including customized training.
Read MoreThe importance of resin mixing procedures in the composites shop
What is considered to be common knowledge when storing, handling, weighing, mixing and deploying epoxy resins and adhesives has brought to light the need for tighter control, improved practices.
Read MoreJoby Aviation advances toward FAA certification, highlights Toray prepreg and Coriolis AFP machines
Joby Aviation aims for FAA Part 135 certificate by end of 2022 and launch of commercial service by 2024 as it completes first production-intent aircraft from its pilot manufacturing facility; composites play a key role.
Read MoreRead Next
From the CW Archives: The tale of the thermoplastic cryotank
In 2006, guest columnist Bob Hartunian related the story of his efforts two decades prior, while at McDonnell Douglas, to develop a thermoplastic composite crytank for hydrogen storage. He learned a lot of lessons.
Read MoreCW’s 2024 Top Shops survey offers new approach to benchmarking
Respondents that complete the survey by April 30, 2024, have the chance to be recognized as an honoree.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Energy (2024)
Composites are used widely in oil/gas, wind and other renewable energy applications. Despite market challenges, growth potential and innovation for composites continue.
Read More