Commercial composite strength Amber Composites

COMMERCIAL COMPOSITE STRENGTH

Amber Composites is part of materials technology multinational TenCate of the Netherlands. Amber Composites is a technology leader in the development and manufacture of lightweight thermoset composites for commercial vehicles and aerospace applications. Philip Yorke talked to Frank Meurs, the company’s managing director about this latest acquisition of TenCate and its unique product offering that is now enabling it to penetrate new markets.

Amber Composites is a UK-based company that was recently acquired by TenCate Advanced Composites, a market group within the Dutch materials technology company, TenCate, which is a global supplier of advanced composite materials for the space and aerospace industry, the defense industry (composite anti-ballistics) and a wide range of industrial applications. TenCate combines its fibre and fabric expertise with smart chemical and engineering technologies and is one of the oldest companies in Europe, with origins in materials dating back to before 1704.

With the acquisition of Amber Composites, TenCate Advanced Composites will increase its presence in global markets for industrial and automotive composites, tooling materials and in the European aerospace market, offering both thermoplastic and thermoset solutions.

Amber Composites has been manufacturing for nearly 25 years lightweight materials for high-performance, lightweight structures and for a diverse range of industries. These include sports cars, passenger cars and other vehicles such as motors, aeroplanes, helicopters and communication devices. The company is recognised worldwide for its strength in composite tooling. TenCate Advanced Composites in North America and Europe will both stand to benefit from the recent acquisition of Amber Composites, which will provide this market group with a more balanced product portfolio and will open the door to new opportunities worldwide.

Today, the TenCate multinational is a truly global organisation with over 4500 employees worldwide and manufacturing facilities operating on four continents. Sales in 2012 were recorded as approaching €1.1 billion.

Technology driven innovation

TenCate is dedicated to developing and manufacturing functional materials with distinctive characteristics that add value to customers and end-users alike, as well as enhancing ecological and economic well-being. Safety and protection, sustain-

ability and the environment are ongoing key global trends for the company. TenCate draws its inspiration for the development of pioneering, functional materials from evolving current technological change.

Frank Meurs said, “One of our most exciting areas for global expansion is the commercial vehicle market which is where our recent acquisition of Amber Composites is set to play a major role. Within the group we have an enviable track record for technology-driven innovative products that make a difference. In our particular speciality we also offer the broadest product range in the world and continue to set new industry standards with such products as those in our TenCate Cetex® portfolio which is a revolutionary new thermoplastic composite material. The uniqueness of our products is matched only by the uniqueness of our entrepreneurial management style and dedicated customer focus.”

Mr Meurs added, “TenCate is the global technology leaders in our field; although we are not number one in every market segment, TenCate is always to be found in the top five. We are also extending our global reach through the targeting of new market sectors including other modes of transport such as buses and rail transport. Our strategy for growth is based upon the acquisition of highly successful technology companies in or adjacent to our innovative working fields, and integrating them into our group practices and culture. A good example is this recent acquisition of Amber Composites, which will significantly strengthen our position in Europe and in particular in the aerospace, commercial vehicle and radar markets.

“This move will strengthen our position worldwide, particularly in sectors such as motor sports and Formula One racing, as well as in solar arrays and radome markets. To date we have been very much focused on the aerospace industry but today TenCate Advanced Composites is targeting the automotive industry and in particular commercial vehicles of all kinds. Currently, we are in pole position to

take the fullest advantage of our technological leadership which began 25 years ago with the strategic decision to significantly increase our R&D investments and the development of relevant, innovative products that are developed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

TenCate Cetex® offers optimal solutions

The growing importance of light and mouldable thermoplastic materials is again highlighted by the specifications demanded for the latest Airbus A350 XWB. TenCate Cetex® is a revolutionary thermoplastic composite and is described as having exceptional qualities as both high strength and low weight, and will be applied to the stiffening structure of the airframe body of this new Airbus. This innovative material is already used in existing Airbus programmes including the Airbus A380. These advanced fabric reinforced thermoplastic composites are also used in other Airbus programmes for semi-structural exterior applications, as well as for interior aircraft applications.

In the automotive sector too, TenCate Advanced Composites continues to make its presence felt with the supply of advanced composite materials for leading, global automotive customers. The strategic focus for these new composites from Tencate will be structural parts and other components which are crucial to the integrity and safety of the vehicle. Furthermore, the demand for lightweight structures especially in hybrid and electric cars for daily use will continue to grow in the coming years. Much of the company’s success over the past decades, mainly in the aerospace industry, has been attributed to its on-going commitment to developing innovative, high-quality products such as the company’s TenCate Cetex® range. n

For further details of the innovative composite materials of TenCate and the product portfolio visit: www.tencateadvancedcomposites.com