DowAksa's Global Composite Center Boosts Turkey's Strength in Aviation

SSM's Investment in Prepreg Technology Strengthens Strategic Development Partnership Between TUSAŞ and DowAksa

YALOVA -- DowAksa hosted authorities from the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSM) and Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ) for the opening of the DowAksa Global Composite Center, a high-technology facility designed to develop carbon fiber and advanced composite materials in Turkey. The center, which initially focuses its work on aerospace applications for the national defense industry, aims to supply advanced composite materials to sectors including wind energy, construction, transportation and maritime, as well as the international civil aviation sector. DowAksa is a joint venture between Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.Ş. and The Dow Chemical Company, each holding 50 percent equity. The National Composite Center, a new investment in DowAksa's carbon fiber and composite production campus in Yalova, is financed under the IPEK Project, jointly conducted by TUSAŞ and DowAksa and supported by SSM. Under the project scope, development and domestic production of prepreg materials for both military and civil aviation applications is envisioned.

Defence Industries President Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir

In his remarks at the opening: Composites rank among the most important material groups for aviation. The advances composites have achieved over the last 30 years and their broad application areas in military and civil aviation explain why this material group has become the most important material group. Beyond aviation alone, composite technology and carbon fiber technology, its most critical building block, hold great importance for satellite platforms and space access. For the establishment of a strong composite industry in our country, public support, the dynamic power of the private sector and guiding policies of the government are quite critical. This project is a product of our presidency's localization, nationalization and technology development policies. Such activities and partnerships are a point of pride for our country. I hope to see more such facilities." he said. Following the opening carried out by Deputy General Manager of TUSAŞ and DowAksa Vice Chairman Mehmet Ali Berkman and DowAksa Chief Executive Officer Douglas Parks, President Demir and guests representing government, industry and media toured the 2,600 m² center, which houses first-class laboratory and production equipment including conventional fiber weaving, multi-directional specialty fiber weaving and prepreg production machinery, and received information from officials.

DowAksa Vice Chairman Berkman

"Turkish companies are now developing, manufacturing and exporting more advanced technological products than ever before. DowAksa takes pride in the fact that our domestically produced carbon fiber solutions will employ market-driven innovations that will benefit our nation's national security, energy and trade objectives, and thus its economic growth." he said. Under the IPEK Project scope, carbon fiber and appropriate resin-based prepreg materials, which will be developed to aviation standards and have extensive use in the international aviation sector, represent an important milestone for Turkey's domestic aircraft objectives. Materials developed through this project can be used in original projects such as TF-X, HÜRKUŞ and ANKA. Stating that the center represents a turning point in Turkish Defense and Aerospace history, TUSAŞ Deputy General Manager Naki Polat "For the first time, we are opening a facility that will meet a raw material need with our own capabilities. The use of this material in both defense and aerospace has exceeded 50 percent. Currently, composite usage in the next-generation Boeing 787 and A 350 exceeds 50 percent. It is impossible to do without composites in both fighter aircraft and civil aircraft. Use in defense and sectors outside industry is also increasing significantly. The center opened today will present great opportunities for our country and for our defense and aerospace industries." he said.

DowAksa Chief Executive Officer Douglas Parks

Commending SSM for financing the IPEK Project, he emphasized the strong cooperation established with project partner TUSAŞ: "I am honored to lead an exceptionally talented, innovative and dedicated team. What you see today was made possible through their efforts. SSM fully understands, with its innovative vision, the strategic importance of nationally developing high-strength lightweight composite materials for military and civil aviation applications; TUSAŞ, in turn, provided our team with the necessary knowledge and experience by guiding us to successfully establish a facility that will continuously deliver innovative developments." he said.

IPEK Project:

Launched at the initiative and financing of SSM in early 2014, the IPEK Project encompasses DowAksa's work to produce the first domestically manufactured carbon fiber and glass fiber-based prepreg materials to be used in TUSAŞ's original products and to provide these materials to the national military and civil aviation sector. The outputs of this three-year scope project will be presented to SSM in 2017.