^{Boeing and Hexcel have completed a 40 percent factory expansion of their joint venture Aerospace Composites Malaysia to support increased production by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. ACM produces flight surfaces for all of Boeing’s commercial programs, including the 787 Dreamliner. Credit: Boeing}

Boeing and Hexcel have implemented a 40% factory expansion of their joint venture Aerospace Composites Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to support increased production by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. ACM produces flight surfaces for all of Boeing’s commercial programs.

The $17 million investment by Boeing and Hexcel adds 125,000 ft² to a factory footprint that now totals 440,000 ft², and the project includes a cleanroom expansion of 11,000 ft² and installation of $5 million in new equipment. With the added capacity, ACM is expected to grow its high-tech manufacturing workforce beyond its current 950 employees. The added capacity is expected to be partially used to begin production of 787 Fixed Leading Edge Panels in 2014.

“Boeing and Hexcel are increasing ACM’s capacity as a direct result of its proven high performance and ability to expand its capabilities to support the quality, reliability and affordability of Boeing’s commercial aircraft,” says John Byrne, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president, Airplane Materials and Structures. “Boeing and Malaysia have a long history of collaboration, and ACM is a great example of the mutual benefit earned by growing Malaysia’s high-tech sector and supporting Boeing’s supply chain.”

The company, formerly Asian Composites Manufacturing, will be renamed Aerospace Composites Malaysia. Currently owned by Boeing and Hexcel, ACM was formed in 1998 as a joint venture for composites fabrication and minor parts assembly. Boeing Commercial Airplanes is the end customer for nearly all of ACM’s output.

Release Date: November 7, 2013
Source: Hexcel