SGL selects group firm Fisipe for production of precursor

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 for 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.

SGL Group