Hexcel Corp. expects to relocate its satellite products division by October to a new, 36,000-square-foot facility in Gilbert, Ariz. Construction of the $2.3 million building is to begin in mid-May.
The Hexcel division employs about 30 and, until it makes the 7-mile relocation, operates in Tempe, Ariz., quarters being leased from Cytec Fiberite Inc.
If the space satellite market takes off, as many analysts expect, Hexcel would be in a position to ramp up the Gilbert operations quickly. Hexcel will install equipment valued at about $3.5 million.
Two Sept. 30 transactions led to the Gilbert project. Hexcel of Stamford, Conn., bought Fiberite Inc.'s space satellite business line and a broad license to Fiberite's structural prepreg technology for $37 million. Cytec Industries Inc. of West Paterson, N.J., bought the bulk of Fiberite for $344 million and operates the Cytec Fiberite subsidiary, in Tempe.
Hexcel and Cytec compete for dominance as the major suppliers of prepreg.
