AUBURN HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continental Structural Plastics (CSP), the world leader in vehicle lightweighting technologies, today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. (MRC), regarding the development and manufacturing of innovative carbon fiber structural components for the automotive industry in North America. Under the memorandum of understanding, CSP and MRC agreed to commence detailed studies through which the two companies intend to substantiate the establishment of an equity-based joint venture.
Specifically, the new joint venture will produce compression molded components made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials, which could include carbon fiber sheet molded compound (SMC) and/or Pre-preg carbon fiber Compression Molding (PCM). These components will include Class A body panels, as well as non-class A structural automotive applications including: pillars; engine cradles or supports; radiator supports; frames and rails; bumper beams; underbody shields; door inners and intrusion beams.
“This agreement represents a tremendous opportunity for us to work jointly with one of the world’s largest manufacturers of carbon fiber to introduce a new generation of lightweight components for the auto industry,” said Frank Macher, chairman and CEO of CSP. “The expertise that exists between our two companies will enable us to develop and bring to market carbon fiber components that are cost-effective for mass production.”
“By working together with Continental Structural Plastics, we gain access to tremendous expertise in composites, and in developing structural applications for light vehicles,” said Akira Nakagoshi, general manager, Composite Products Division, MRC. “We look forward to the opportunity to further expand MRC’s composite material technologies among automakers in North America, and are hopeful for creating better relationships among people, society, and our planet.”
About Mitsubishi Rayon
Mitsubishi Rayon was founded in 1933 as Japan’s first rayon staple manufacturer. It offers unique, superior and socially responsible products and services typified by carbon fiber and composite material, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and water-related solutions. Through its world-class line of PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fibers, related intermediaries and processed items, it is growing presence in such areas as automotive, recreational, industrial, aircraft and environmental products. For more information, visit www.mrc.co.jp.
About Continental Structural Plastics
For more than 40 years, Continental Structural Plastics has provided leading-edge technologies in lightweight materials and composite solutions for the automotive, heavy truck, HVAC and construction industries. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, CSP provides full-service engineering support, and holds more than 50 patents covering materials development and manufacturing processes in composite materials formulation, design and manufacturing technologies. For more information, visit www.cspplastics.com.
