GSA Technology Council

Greenville, SC — Cytec Industries Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony today, marking the company’s first construction phase of its new carbon fiber manufacturing plant expansion in Greenville, S.C. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2009, with plant commissioning slated for early 2010. This first-phase $200-$250 million project includes capacity expansion for PAN precursor and fiber carbonization and it will provide additional capability to meet the demand for next-generation carbon fibers.

U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC), South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor, Greenville County Council Chairman H.G. (Butch) Kirven, and Greenville Area Development Corporation Chairman Jay Rogers joined leaders from the state, county, city and community in celebrating this significant milestone. Cytec Engineered Materials’ President Steve Speak thanked each of the representatives and their agencies for coordinated support of the project. “There were many reasons why Greenville, S.C. was selected for our new expansion,” he told the more than 100 attendees. “South Carolina and Greenville, in particular, was our number one location choice because the entire South Carolina team collaborated to create a unique offering. From its talented, skilled and capable workforce to its ready infrastructure, South Carolina provides an enabling environment for Cytec’s advanced materials growth. It is clear that every one here today is committed to helping Cytec compete and succeed in every phase of our project.”

“A number of global aerospace and advanced composite firms now call South Carolina home and Cytec’s expansion is evidence that our commitment to this high-tech industry is paying off,” said U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis. “Cytec is very thankful to the entire South Carolina Congressional Delegation for investing not only in manufacturing, but also in fundamental scientific research, right here in South Carolina, to develop next-generation carbon fibers anticipated for future aerospace platforms,” Speak added. “Our customers depend on a supply of Cytec’s THORNEL® carbon fibers for the most demanding structural applications and they rely on us to be at the forefront in terms of new technology innovations. Our employees, many who are here celebrating with us today, meet that challenge daily.”

“Today’s groundbreaking marks yet another step toward enhancing South Carolina’s presence as a globally recognized player in advanced materials and the aerospace industry. Cytec is a world provider of state-of-the-art composites including advanced carbon fiber utilized in the aerospace and automotive industries. While Cytec has been a strong corporate citizen in South Carolina for a number of years, their decision to grow in our state is a positive reflection of the state’s skilled workforce, business-friendly climate and the strength of our manufacturing sector,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“Expanding our carbon fiber operations in Greenville demonstrates Cytec’s belief in and commitment to Greenville and the state of South Carolina,” said Speak. “Our project execution pace is accelerating and we remain on schedule due, in large part, to Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority, Metropolitan Sewer Sub-District, Duke Energy, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Controls and the S.C. Highway Department. Your cooperation and the support from the community are vital and we look forward to a strong and fruitful alliance as we construct our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.”

via Cytec