Heavy storms have taken out the electricity supply at resin and carbon fibre manufacturer Hexcel’s (Stamford, Connecticut / USA; www.hexcel.com) North American plant in Decatur, Alabama, with the company unable to produce its polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor since the end of last week. Numerous companies have suffered damage from what many have said is the worst tornado season in the US since the 1970s – for more details, see Plasteurope.com of 02.05.2011.

Hexcel said the plant had sustained just minor outside damage and that no one was hurt when the tornado struck. Nevertheless, the company was unable to specify when production would resume, merely saying that the start-up would happen only once the relevant infrastructure was up and running once again.

The PAN fibres produced in Decatur are processed to carbon fibres in Salt Lake City, Utah and in Illescas / Spain.