Fisipe celebrates 40 years and prepares for the future

High-tech made in Portugal 09-07-2013 Fisipe celebrates 40 years and prepares for the future Lavradio, September 07, 2013.

German based SGL Group selected Fisipe for the production of precursor in Europe / Integration of the Portuguese company in the production chain of carbon fibers / Presentation of the new logo In the 40th year of operation, Fisipe opens a new chapter. The company based in Lavradio is concluding the integration into SGL Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon-based products and materials. The German group, that acquired Fisipe last year, selected the Portuguese acrylic fibers company as its European production base for Precursor, the raw material used in carbon fiber manufacturing. In parallel, the existing production and marketing of acrylic fibers for the global market of acrylic fiber specialities is continued.

Stefan Seibel, Managing Director of Fisipe: Thanks to the comprehensive specialization, diversification and high quality, Fisipe stands out in a very demanding and competitive global market. With this backward integration, we strengthen SGL Group's technology base along the entire carbon fiber value chain.

Currently, Fisipe is preparing the production of precursor and has already started with the construction and installation of the new equipment to manufacture precursor. Furthermore, Fisipe will convert and upgrade existing acrylic fiber lines for the future production of the carbon fiber raw material starting next year. With the beginning of the commercialization, in particular the supply of precursor to SGL Group carbon fiber production sites in Scotland and the U.S., the integration process of Fisipe into the group will be concluded. Being the only European manufacturer of integrated carbon fibers SGL Group strengthens its technological base by completing the added value chain from raw materials to carbon fibers to composite materials. Carbon fiber-based materials combine several unique properties such as high mechanical strength with low weight, very good electrical and thermal conductivity as well as heat and corrosion resistance. Therefore, they are applied in industries such as automotive, aerospace, wind power and sporting goods.

In the years to come, the main business of Fisipe clearly remains the production of acrylic fiber specialities , emphasizes Stefan Seibel. Fisipe has a very good reputation in a global market regarding product quality and services. Being now part of SGL Group, Fisipe is even more strengthened to compete in this very demanding market. Fisipe produces a variety of different acrylic fiber specialities for technical and textile applications. The annual production is around 50.000 tons, of which 99 per cent are exported worldwide.

Burkhard Straube, Head of Business Unit Carbon Fibers & Composite Materials of SGL Group: Fisipe has been a long-term partner with proven know-how in manufacturing acrylic fibers and has a modern production and research infrastructure with its own energy supply. This together with the motivated and highly qualified team in Lavradio will enable us to close the strategic gap in our Carbon Fiber and Composite Business to the benefit of our customers.

Fisipe presents its new logo The new Fisipe logo combines continuity and integration. The name FISIPE as well as the claim Your creative partner in acrylic fibers will be maintained since by this the company is an internationally known brand and recognized as an acrylic fiber producer standing for high standard of innovation, quality and service. The colors of Fisipe's logo are changed to blue and red adopting the colors of SGL Group representing the integration.

Prime Minister M rio Soares (middle) inaugurate Fisipe 1976.

In 1980 Fisipe almost doubled the production volume

Fisipe is currently preparing the production of precursor

About SGL Group - The Carbon Company SGL Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon-based products and materials. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite products to carbon fibers and composites. With 45 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service network covering more than 100 countries, SGL Group is a company with a global presence. In 2012, the Company's workforce of around 6,700 employees generated sales of 1,709 million. The Company's head office is located in Wiesbaden.

About Fisipe Fisipe Fibras Sint ticas de Portugal S.A. is a manufacturer of acrylic fibers with production facilities in Lavradio, Portugal. Formed in 1973, Fisipe has 40 years of experience in this area. Since its formation, it has developed from a manufacturer of standard textile fibers into a provider of specialist acrylic fibers. The company also produces pre-colored and functional fibers for technical applications. In 2012, the company produced approximately t 50 thousand of acrylic fiber and employed around 330 people.

LINK:	http://www.sglgroup.com/cms/international/press-lounge/news/2013/09/09...
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