Composites Investment in Czech Republic Fuels Industrial Growth
07 May 2004
07 May 2004
Industrial production in the Czech Republic grew by 5.8 per cent in 2003 a growth fuelled by the composite and materials sectors, and the growth in the automotive industry, according to an Investment promotion agency.
In 2002, the country produced 22,500 tons of composites, a volume which looks to have been exceeded in 2003.
According to a recent survey by Price Waterhouse Coopers (2002), investments to the Czech Republic are becoming profitable within two-years’ time, which is the primary reason why companies like Saint Gobain Vertex, Schneider Electric, Faurecia, Vivendi, Valeo, and numerous others have invested in composite production plants in the region.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade established Czechinvest as an investment promotion agency to help companies that are interested in setting up in the Czech Republic.
The American Composites Manufacturers Association participated in a roundtable discussion about the IMAGINE Act. Known as the Innovative Materials in American Growth and Infrastructure, Newly Expanded (IMAGINE) Act, the new bill is designed to promote the increased use of innovative materials like fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, as well as new manufacturing methods to accelerate the deployment and extend the life of infrastructure projects.
After the collapse of a drinking water pipeline in downtown Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Insituform was contracted to reline a close to 100 year old pipe underneath one of the canals. Water was restored successfully within five days, with minimal impact on traffic and the environment.
Australian organisations Austrak, Laing O’Rourke and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) have joined forces to develop polymer composite solutions for bridge transoms in a $10 million project titled Polymer Composite Transoms for Rail Bridge Deck Replacement (CompTrans).