DuPont is committed to investment in both Kevlar and Nomex brand aramid fibers, including several recent investments in both products. Between 2000 and 2006, DuPont successfully completed four Kevlar fiber expansion projects at its Richmond, Va., and Maydown, Northern Ireland, facilities.
The latest expansions incorporated a proprietary New Fiber Technology (NFT) developed and patented by DuPont. This new technology enables innovative fiber and production capabilities for DuPont and is essential to help meet future market needs.
In August 2006, DuPont announced it expected to invest more than $100 million in a three-phase capacity expansion that would raise Nomex fiber and paper capability by approximately 10 percent. The first phase of the Nomex expansion is scheduled to go online later this year.
As the first man-made fiber to deliver high strength combined with light weight, Kevlar is recognized as a category creator and leading brand in many high performance and life saving applications. This balance of properties makes Kevlar the material of choice for a broad range of uses.
Best known for its proven performance in ballistic and stab-resistant body armor, Kevlar has helped to save the lives of thousands of law enforcement and military personnel around the world. The increasing need for protection against new and emerging threats continues to spur demand for Kevlar in vehicle armoring, firefighter turnout gear, and blast and storm-resistant construction applications.
Demand for Kevlar also is increasing in the oil and gas and aerospace industries. The lightweight strength, dimensional stability and chemical resistance of Kevlar® improves the reliability of umbilicals and risers used in offshore energy production platforms. These same properties also allow aerospace engineers and designers to build lighter aircraft with improved fuel efficiency.
For over 40 years, DuPont Kevlar has been recognized worldwide for its proven performance in a wide variety of safety and high performance applications, including automotive brakes and tires; body armor and protective apparel; aerospace and airplane components; and building materials.
DuPont Advanced Fiber Systems serves a global marketplace from offices in all major regions of the world and has manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland, Japan, Spain and the United States.
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