FORMAX, the manufacturer of carbon fibre and speciality composite reinforcements, has announced plans to open an Automotive Production Unit at its Leicestershire headquarters.

The 50,000 sq. ft. facility will be dedicated to the production of carbon multiaxial fabrics optimized specifically for high volume automotive applications.

The recently acquired premises, which are located next to the existing FORMAX manufacturing site, are currently undergoing extensive refurbishments. The installation of a new Karl Mayer Malitronic carbon line is in progress and FORMAX anticipates this additional line will be commissioned in March.

The opening of the facility further extends FORMAX’s automotive commitment to providing engineered fabrics that are able to be processed at the ease, speed and cost that an automotive supply chain requires.

It also the follows the launch of a number of new Automotive fabrics during 2013 including; aFORM, a range of specialized +/-45 materials ranging in weight from 150-300gsm and optimized for Class A surface finishes; reFORM, a highly drapeable recycled materials range produced from carbon waste, and a Drape Simulation service that enables customers to optimise their fabrics performance by identifying creasing and permeability issues.

During the past 5 years, FORMAX has established itself as a leading supplier of carbon multiaxial reinforcements in the Automotive sector and already works closely with a number of Europe’s key Tier 1 manufacturers and OEM’s.