787 success prompts increased carbon-fiber production

Published 2:25 pm Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Demand for the Boeing Co.’s Dreamliner is driving one supplier to double capacity at its plant, MarketWatch reports.

Cytec Industries’ chief executive said his company will increase production of the carbon-fiber material used for the 787. Cytec sells the carbon-fiber to Boeing subcontractors who use it in building the Dreamliner’s wings and fuselage. Toray Industries supplies Boeing with sheets of composites — epoxy resin and carbon-fibers.

Cytec isn’t alone in seeing the need to boost production based on the 787.

This summer, 787 partner Kawasaki Heavy Industries said it was considering expanding its production capabilities in Japan. However, the company said it would cost roughly $300 million to add another huge autoclave where KHI bakes the 787’s composite fuselage.

Boeing has received more than 700 orders for its 787, though the Dreamliner has yet to make its maiden voyage.