Pistoia, Italy-based Microtex Composites srl is investing about $3.8 million to establish its first U.S. operations in Chattanooga, Tenn., creating 26 new jobs in the region.
"The composites manufacturer has experienced rapid growth in its European markets due to increased demand from its customers in the automotive and aerospace industries," according to a Jan. 7 news release from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
"Microtex Composites is expanding its prepreg production thanks to its technological innovation and modern equipment," Gianfranco Meschini, vice president at Microtex, said in the release.
"Our cutting-edge technologies allow us to strengthen our position in the U.S. market as an advanced materials company, and this new factory in Chattanooga is a key step that will strengthen our operational capabilities and our role in the supply chain.
"Opening our new prepreg factory in Chattanooga represents another exciting development of Microtex Composites' constant commitment to boost production capacity, ensuring the supply of the best qualitative prepreg level," Federico Becagli, president of Microtex Composites Inc., said in the release.