Composites maker Hexcel Corp. plans to build a $25 million research center near its carbon-fiber production site in West Valley City, Utah.
The firm's Center of Excellence for Research & Technology will support next-generation developments in advanced composites and will create 150 jobs over a 12-year period, officials with the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development said in a May 13 news release.
GOED Executive Director Dan Hemmert said in the release that Hexcel's new center "will create many high-paying jobs for Utahns in skilled science and advanced technology."
"Hexcel also has an excellent training program that will serve to develop Utah's workforce further and help its employees develop the skills they need to succeed," he added.
Hexcel Chairman, President and CEO Nick Stanage said in the release that the new site "will provide much-needed room to expand our research, to broaden our portfolio and to offer our customers an enhanced opportunity to collaborate with us on the latest composite technology developments for aerospace, space and defense and industrial applications."
Officials added that the new center will be the company's largest for innovation and product development in North America. Hexcel's existing operations in West Valley City include its largest high-performance, carbon-fiber manufacturing facility. The site employs 600 and is home to the company's U.S. aerospace matrix operations.
Products made by Stamford, Conn.-based Hexcel include carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, pre-pregs, honeycomb and additive manufactured parts.
Hexcel could receive a tax credit of a little more than $1.5 million over 12 years if the project meets certain criteria. The firm also is receiving an Industrial Assistance Fund Economic Opportunity Grant for up to $200,000 for infrastructure-related expenses.
Hexcel employs more than 7,000 worldwide and posted sales of $1.5 billion in 2020.