#Composites

2021-11-11

SGL Carbon opens new apprenticeship center at its site in Nowy Sacz, Poland

At the beginning of September 2021, SGL Graphite Solutions Polska sp. z o.o. in Nowy Sacz held the opening ceremony for a new apprenticeship center.

• Investment in training and further education of employees at SGL's Nowy Sacz site in Poland

• New opening of a training center on the SGL Graphite Solutions site for practical vocational training

"As part of our BU strategy, we asked ourselves in which areas and at which locations we should develop further and then also invest," explains Burkhard Straube, Head of the Business Unit GS. "We considered plants in Germany, but also in Poland, especially in Nowy Sacz, and in China. The development of our company is based on well-trained and qualified employees, so we decided to invest in an apprenticeship program both here in Nowy Sacz and at the Chinese sites in Shanghai and Yangquan, China."

To work out the requirements, the project team was able to draw on the training program of the German sites, where such forms of teaching have been in place for many years. "During our visit to Bonn, we received many valuable tips and suggestions on vocational training," reports Elzbieta Dzien, HR Manager of SGL Poland and Project Manager for the apprenticeship center. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nicole Nelles and her team for the warm welcome and the great support we received. I would also like to thank all my Polish colleagues who have contributed to the development of this center and the implementation of this program which is so important for our future." The project team received also support from the Polish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK), which specializes in the dual system of vocational training.

The trainees were recently able to move into the apprenticeship center, for which one of the warehouse buildings was converted, modernized and equipped with training processing machines, a classroom and a social room. The entire complex required for practical vocational training was housed in this way in a single building on the SGL Graphite Solutions site. This is where the first-year vocational school trainees now complete the practical part of their three-year apprenticeship to become CNC machine operators, while at the local school Zespól Szkól im. ks. Prof. Józefa Tishnera in Stary Sacz the theoretical lessons take place. After the three years, the next group of trainees will start their apprenticeship.

The ceremonial conclusion of this project was the inauguration event, which was attended not only by representatives of SGL Carbon but also by representatives of the local school Zespól Szkól im. ks. Prof. Józefa Tishnera and the Mayor of Nowy Sacz, Ludomir Handzel, took part. "I am proud that a high-tech company like SGL Carbon is located here in our city. I am very pleased that SGL Carbon has chosen the path of dual training," emphasized Ludomir Handzel. "This offers both SGL Carbon and our city to develop further. I wish you a successful implementation of this investment.“

At the end of the ceremony, Burkhard Straube addressed the trainees: "Our goal is to further develop the site. That is why we invest in training and further education of our employees. You, the young people, are the guarantee for the success of our company in the future. I am very happy to welcome you as the first generation, which will be followed by other trainees. I wish you happiness and joy and hope that you will feel comfortable here in our company, learn a lot and also enjoy working with us in the future.“

SGL Carbon decides to restructure its Carbon Fibers business unit

The Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE today decided, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to restructure the loss-making Carbon Fibers business unit. SGL Carbon will significantly reduce the business activities of Carbon Fibers and focus on a profitable core. Individual solutions are being developed for all Carbon Fibers sites, including the closure of unprofitable sites.

SGL Carbon evaluates strategic options for the carbon fibers and appoints Dr. Denis Hinz as new head of the business unit

SGL Carbon SE is currently evaluating various strategic options for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers (CF). These include a possible partial or complete divestment of the Business Unit. In a first step, potential interested parties shall be approached promptly with the general data of the Business Unit to determine their interest in an acquisition. If there is sufficient interest, a structured transaction process will be carried out in a second step.

DYNEEMA® and NP Aerospace advance personal protection for military servicewomen

Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, is supplying its high-performance unidirectional (UD) materials to world-leading armor manufacturer NP Aerospace, enabling the production of armor systems designed specifically to fit the female body. With 2,000 new armor systems, including 4,000 plates, made in the United Kingdom (UK) and delivered in June 2026, this collaboration addresses a long-standing lack of high-quality personal protection specially built for female defense and security personnel.

JEC World 2026 confirms its standing as the unmissable event for composites and their applications

JEC World 2026 confirms its position as the leading global event for the composite materials industry and its applications across multiple sectors, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem in Paris for three days of business, innovation, and collaboration. True to its Pushing the Limits motto, the 2026 edition delivered outstanding results despite travel disruptions worldwide. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 50 countries, including over 150 first-timers, presented a global panorama of products, equipment, and services across the entire composites value chain.

KARL MAYER strengthens partnerships in the composites industry at JEC World 2026

KARL MAYER further strengthened its role as a reliable and competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World 2026. The global market leader in textile machinery manufacturing used the trade show to meet key customers, establish numerous new contacts, and engage in in-depth technical discussions.

Kordsa showcases its global expertise in material technologies at JEC World 2026

Kordsa, a subsidiary of Sabancı Holding, shared its global expertise in material technologies with participants at JEC World 2026, held in Paris. The company’s solutions developed for a wide range of industries—particularly aviation, energy, and automotive—stood out among its key innovations at the exhibition. Throughout the event, Kordsa also presented its vision for sustainable growth and its strategic transformation in composite technologies to international stakeholders.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

Textile Exchange publishes comprehensive polyester LCA study

Textile Exchange has released a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on polyester, providing detailed data on the environmental impacts of both virgin and recycled polyester production. The study aims to strengthen understanding across the fashion, textile and apparel industries and support more informed decision-making regarding polyester sourcing and production.