Hexcel’s prepreg manufacturing facility in Nantes is located close to Airbus, its major customer. The plant was opened in 2008 to manufacture HexPly® prepregs tapes for Automated Tape Lay-up (ATL) and Automated Fibre Placement processes.  Prepregs are carbon fibre reinforcements that are impregnated with a formulated resin system. They are cured using heat and pressure to form lightweight, structural parts. Typical applications for HexPly® prepregs made in Nantes are the A380 and A400M central wingbox and A340-500-600 keel beam.

Hexcel’s satellite plant strategy was established to meet customer expectations in delivery and responsiveness, to enhance product quality, while making the overall supply chain more efficient and reliable.