Norplex Unveils Advanced Composites Center, Expanding High-Performance Prepreg Offerings

Norplex (Postville, Iowa, U.S.) celebrates the launch of Norplex Advanced Composites with the opening of a state-of-the-art manufacturing center based in Manhattan, Mon., U.S. This facility will expand its capabilities to offer advanced prepregs that provide cost-effective composite solutions for mid- and high-volume applications.

Norplex Advanced Composites begins with a product portfolio that includes fabric and unidirectional (UD) glass epoxy prepregs, EnableX, a prepreg molding system, and NorPLY, a line of fatigue-resistant laminates. These products, as well as its material development and characterization capabilities, help position Norplex Advanced Composites for a highly collaborative partnership with OEMs, Tier 1s and fabricators in the transportation, sporting goods and recreation, renewable energy, medical, industrial and aerospace markets.

“We’re excited to be stepping into the Advanced Composites sector as part of our long-term commitment to market development and business growth for all of our stakeholders,” says Tom Merrell, president of Norplex. “And we’re proud to be opening this new location in Manhattan where the collaboration with the community has been outstanding.”

The new 32,000-square-foot facility houses a custom-built direct impregnation hot melt prepreg line with the capabilities to run various fabrics and UD rovings, as well as the ability to offer a range of diverse chemistries. These new capabilities are said to build upon the traditional solvent-based prepregs produced today in Norplex’s Postville, Iowa plant.

“With Norplex Advanced Composites, we are expanding our manufacturing capabilities to offer a proven and growing line of advanced prepregs that provide cost-effective composite solutions,” adds Denny Ford, VP, Norplex. “We look forward to collaborating with customers on how we can help unlock opportunities through these materials and technologies.”

Established to deliver the speed and agility of a start-up venture, Norplex Advanced Composites also draws upon a long and rich history of composites leadership. Norplex-Micarta, its sister organization, remains a leader in high-performance thermoset composite materials based on impregnation and lamination technology.

Within the next three years, the organization plans to bring 30 jobs to the area and drive much of its material research and development effort out of the new facility. Through its investment in added capacity, the latest manufacturing technology, and a growing team, Norplex Advanced Composites is committed to being a positive growth partner in the advanced composites market and the local community.