IDI Composites opens new global headquarters, manufacturing and technology center

IDI Composites International (IDI, Noblesville, Ind., U.S.) announces the opening of its new global headquarters and next-generation manufacturing facility in Noblesville, Indiana. 

The new, 120,000-square-foot facility houses IDI’s corporate headquarters, sheet molding compound (SMC) and bulk molding compound (BMC) manufacturing, and the 3i Composites Technology Center. With numerous operational innovations included in the design of the new facility, IDI is doubling its production capacity of SMC and BMC.

“We really believe our new manufacturing operations will help lead the industry to the next level of competency that’s going to be needed in order to meet the growing expectations for more sophisticated composites solutions; our intention is to make composites the best material choice,”  says Tom Merrell, CEO.

Key features of the facility include:

• New SMC Lines: The facility houses a total of three production SMC lines, including two 60-inch wide lines. The facility will also house IDI’s Ultrium Carbon Fiber SMC line and a pilot R&D line in the 3i Composites Technology Center.
• Efficient Raw Material Storage and Automated Handling: An expanded resin tank farm and filler silos efficiently houses and distributes critical raw material components throughout the plant, freeing up space for increased production capacity.
• Specialized Storage Areas with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): Both hot and cold storage areas accommodate SMC and BMC to maintain optimal material conditions. A fleet of AGVs will be deployed to safely handle materials throughout the plant.  
• 3i Technology Center: This dedicated research, development and testing center increases IDI’s material characterization capabilities and will enable the company in identifying and developing new products to meet growing market demands.

The company’s headquarters has been located in Noblesville for 58 years. IDI also operates manufacturing centers in Mexico, Puerto Rico, France, the U.K. and China.

“The Noblesville facility is a testament to IDI’s commitment to the industry, designing and manufacturing composite materials that provide engineering advantages and value to our customers and their products,” says Tom Flood, vice president of IDI Composites International – North America.