Hexcel to build a new Center of Excellence for Advanced Composites Innovation in Utah

 

 

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.) has announced that Hexcel Corp. (Stamford, Conn., U.S.) will build a flagship Center of Excellence for Research & Technology (R&T) to support next-generation developments in advanced composites technologies in Utah, adding up to 150 new high-paying jobs in the next 12 years

“We welcome Hexcel as it expands in Utah,” says Dan Hemmert, GOED’s executive director. “Their decision to grow here will create many high-paying jobs for Utahns in skilled science and advanced technology. Hexcel also has an excellent training program that will serve to develop Utah’s workforce further and help its employees develop the skills they need to succeed.”

Hexcel is a global advanced composites technology leader, manufacturing carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycomb and additive manufactured parts for customers in commercial aerospace, space and defense and industrial markets. According to the company, this new R&T center will be the company’s largest center for innovation and product development in North America and a showcase for the company’s advanced composites technology, providing space for future growth and expansion in the years ahead. The company’s existing operations in West Valley City, Utah, include what Hexcel contends is its largest high-performance carbon fiber manufacturing facility in the world (CW covered a plant tour here in 2020). The site is also home to the company’s U.S. aerospace matrix operations. About 600 people currently work at the site.

“We’re grateful for the support that Utah continues to provide to Hexcel, and we’re excited to announce this investment in innovation today to ensure our continued leadership tomorrow,” says Nick Stanage, Hexcel chairman, CEO & president. “This new site will provide much-needed room to expand ourresearch, to broaden our portfolio and to offer our customers an enhanced opportunity to collaborate with us on the latest composite technology developments for aerospace, space and defense and industrial applications.”

Hexcel may earn up to 25% of the new state taxes it will pay over the 12-year life of the agreement in the form of a Utah Legislature-authorized Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) tax credit. The GOED Board has approved a post-performance tax credit not to exceed $1,531,318. Each year that Hexcel meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax credit.

The GOED Board also approved an Industrial Assistance Fund Economic Opportunity Grant for up to $200,000 for infrastructure-related expenses. The grant will provide infrastructure support for the Hexcel site and help create better access to the area.

“Hexcel has been a long-time contributor to West Valley City’s economy and a reason why Utah is regarded as a marquee location for advanced manufacturing and composites,” adds Theresa A. Foxley, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Utah. “We’re thrilled with the company’s continued investment in our state.”