- Solvay is doubling its kitting capabilities in France to meet demand for large composite parts.
- The expansion will create 60 new jobs over the next few years.
- The Toulouse site focuses on large vacuum bagging kits and elastomeric reusable bags.
- Solvay's reusable bags are made from high-performance silicone rubber compound.
Expansion of Kitting Capabilities
Solvay is doubling its kitting capabilities for process materials in France to meet the increasing production rate of large composite parts such as aircraft wings and wind turbine blades. The kitting facility in Toulouse primarily serves customers across Europe, and the expansion will increase the site’s manufacturing rate of large vacuum bagging kits. This development will also create 60 new jobs over the next few years.
Product Portfolio and Benefits
Solvay offers an extensive composite product portfolio, including prepregs, resin systems, adhesives, surfacing films, carbon fiber, textiles, tooling, and process materials available as roll-stock or customized kits. Using these kits, manufacturers benefit from reduced labor costs, total production time, and waste, as well as improved process control, which enhances the quality and repeatability of parts.
Expertise and Global Reach
Solvay leverages its long-standing expertise in designing complex kits and shaped bags, along with its in-house capability for co-extrusion and transformation of multi-layered plastic bagging films. With several kitting facilities, including primary sites in Santa Fe Springs, USA, and Toulouse, France, Solvay efficiently supplies its global customer base.
Toulouse Site Specialization
The Toulouse site specializes in the fabrication of large complex vacuum bagging kits and elastomeric reusable bags. These complex kits include fully tailored, part-specific cut shapes that can be combined with reusable or welded bags. Solvay’s reusable bags, made from high-performance silicone rubber compound, are manufactured to exact customer requirements, saving time compared to traditional consumable lay-up, and reducing material waste and operator error.
Consultancy and Design Expertise
The site’s consultancy and design expertise, combined with its kitting manufacturing capabilities, enable Solvay to deliver tailored kits to its customers, allowing them to focus on their core activities.
