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Technology update
Conoco builds facility for carbon-fiber production
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Leveraging itself on its strengths in petroleum technology and
manufacturing, Conoco is taking its first steps into the carbon-fiber
business. The company is beginning construction on a new manufacturing
facility in Ponca City, OK, that will produce pitch-based carbon fiber,
which can be used by the automotive, construction, telecommunications,
and aerospace industries. The plant, which is scheduled to come online
by the end of 2001, will be able to produce a maximum of 8 million pounds
of carbon fiber per year.
"This innovative venture will bring a completely new high-tech Conoco
product into markets outside the traditional energy sector," said
Archie Dunham, Conoco's Chairman and CEO. "The carbon-fibers business
is aligned with our commitment to increase shareholder value and builds
on our global core competency in carbon upgrading. Today, 40% of the
world's delayed coking capacity is produced under Conoco licenses. In
the near future, Conoco's capability to produce petroleum-based carbon
fibers will allow engineers and designers to create stronger and lighter
products that last longer. Ultimately, this new business holds
tremendous potential to redefine how business is done in the
carbon-fibers industry."
Frank Bokulich
Aerospace Engineering August 2000
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