ExxonMobil announces licensing agreement to expand GFRP rebar processing tech

ExxonMobil (Houston, Texas, U.S.) has announced a strategic licensing agreement with Neuvokas Corp. (Ahmeek, Mich., U.S.), producer of GatorBar glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite rebar. Under this agreement, ExxonMobil has obtained exclusive rights to sublicense Neuvokas’ proprietary manufacturing process in markets outside of North America (read 2023’s “Gatorbar, NEG, ExxonMobil join forces for composite rebar”). According to ExxonMobil, this collaboration marks a step toward expanding the global market of composite rebar within the concrete reinforcement sector.

ExxonMobil’s Proxxima system’s ultra-low viscosity and snap cure technology, paired with Neuvokas’ innovative process, is reported to enable production speeds up to 20 times faster than traditional composite rebar methods. This process efficiency ultimately builds up GatorBar’s cost-competitiveness to traditional steel rebar. 

GatorBar inherently results in corrosion-free, lightweight, long-lasting GFRP rebar while its new Grip technology eliminates slivers common to GFRP competitors. These features further differentiate GatorBar versus traditional steel by delivering reduced transportation costs, simplified handling, faster installation, potential for design optimizations and value across a broad range of projects.

The collaboration highlights both companies’ dedication to driving technology innovation and proving cost-effective solutions for the construction industry.