SGL Carbon ramps up production facility for composite e-mobility solutions

It was reported on Jan. 21 that SGL Carbon (Wiesbaden, Germany) is enhancing its operations in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, by introducing a new production processes for fiber-based composites, with the goal of ramping up carbon fiber composite production for e-mobility; this will include meeting expectations reflected in the substantial contract a North American automaker awarded SGL back in Jan. 2020 for composite battery enclosures.

“Composite battery enclosures fit perfectly to the specific needs of modern e-car chassis. Thus, with the ongoing enhancement of our Arkadelphia operations, we also support the great trend towards more e-mobility in the U.S. In addition, our facility produces a variety of carbon and glass fiber-reinforced products for a wide range of industrial applications within the automotive and aerospace industries as well as the energy sector,” says Steve Swanson, VP of Operations at SGL Composites Inc.

The company is investing approximately $4.5 million into the facility within three years and will increase the workforce at the site by 35 full-time employees. For the investment, the company will also receive public funding from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the City of Arkadelphia and the Clark County. The enhancement of the Arkadelphia operations started in Oct. 2020 and is planned to be fully operational by the end of 2021.

As the company embarks on this new endeavor, Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary and Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Mike Preston, EDCCC Chairman Celya Taylor and County Judge Troy Tucker express their excitement for SGL Carbon’s future expansion in this region.

“We are thrilled about the news that SGL will be ramping up its production and hiring additional employees,” adds Arkadelphia City Manager Gary Brinkley. “SGL’s corporate philosophy of partnering with their customers is the same philosophy we follow in Clark County, partnering with our industries for job retention and expansion. The soundness of the Arkadelphia workforce coupled with the quality of life we enjoy in southwest Arkansas is truly a win-win scenario for everyone.”