CT Logo

Jindal Advanced Materials (JAM) has signed an agreement with Italian specialty chemical fibres manufacturer MAE S.p.A. to set up India’s first carbon fibre facility of 3,500 metric tonnes (MT) annual capacity at an investment of INR 2,700 crores, in what could revolutionise the Indian composite industry. The state-of-the-art facility will offer a comprehensive range of intermediates viz. prepregs, fabrics, multiaxials and carbon fibre composites catering to diverse industrial needs. With the development, JAM is poised to become a key supplier of carbon fibre and its prepreg counterparts. The scion of the reputed O P Jindal family, Mr Abhyuday Jindal, has invested in the company.

The company also aims to penetrate industrial markets, offering cutting-edge and light-weight carbon fibre solutions. JAM's ambitious plan includes the production of low tow to high tow carbon fibres, with the capacity expansion projected to reach 10,000 MT by 2027. MAE, known for its expertise and innovation in the field, signed the agreement with JAM earlier this month at the prestigious JEC Paris, the largest global industry show for composite materials. The Italian firm will provide top-tier engineering and equipment, ensuring seamless execution of the project. The facility is expected to be operational within 30 months, and the project will cover the entire value chain - from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-precursor to carbon fibre intermediates.

On the occasion, Director, JAM, Mr C P Agrawal said, “This collaboration aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reflecting JAM's dedication to advancing India's carbon fibre industry across various applications. With this bold investment, Jindal Advanced Materials and MAE S.p.A. are set to redefine the landscape of the carbon fibre industry, reinforcing India's position as a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing.”

Commenting on the development, CEO, MAE S.p.A., Mr Marco Rovellini said, “We are delighted to partner with Jindal Advanced Materials in this ambitious venture. Through our combined expertise and resources, we aim to set new benchmarks in carbon fibre production, catering to the burgeoning demand in India and beyond. This ground-breaking agreement solidifies MAE’s position in the global market and further inspires us to innovate and offer cutting-edge solutions globally.”

Globally, composites have gained preference due to their distinct advantages, such as being over three times lighter than steel, twice as strong, corrosion-resistant, and non-conductive.