Toray set to increase carbon fibre capacity to meet growing demand in pressure vessel applications

Toray CMA, the largest producer of carbon fibre in the United States, is a primary supplier of carbon fibre to alternative energy, the emerging hydrogen economy and the ongoing clean energy revolution. The South Carolina plant expansion will increase the supply of industrial-strength carbon fibre for compressed natural gas, hydrogen tanks, and other pressure vessel applications. The increased supply is necessary as the market experiences growing demand for energy and associated storage, transportation and handling infrastructure.

“The market for clean energy solutions is continuing to rapidly develop.  As released earlier this year under Toray’s Medium-Term Management Program, Project AP-G 2025, we are committed to accelerating technologies that will greatly reduce our environmental burden.  This next expansion enables us to keep-pace with the needs of our customers and maintain our leadership position.” says Tim Kirk, Toray CMA’s Vice President of Marketing.

Toray’s production system is a fully integrated supply chain, with the Spartanburg plant operating with production lines from precursor to carbon fibre and prepreg. Other Toray CMA manufacturing facilities are located in Decatur, Alabama and Tacoma, Washington. The expansion will add flexibility and capability, enabling Toray to better serve customers in aerospace and defense, industrial, sports and recreation, and automotive markets.