Strata Syensqo in UAE Delivers Carbon Fibre Materials for Boeing 777X

In a significant advancement for the UAE's manufacturing landscape, Strata Syensqo Advanced Materials (SSAM) has achieved the large-scale production of carbon fibre prepreg materials at its Al Ain facility. These top-tier materials are crucial for various global applications, including aircraft manufacturing.

This announcement was made during the fifth iteration of the Make it in the Emirates forum.

SSAM, a collaboration between Strata Manufacturing PJSC and Belgian firm Syensqo, revealed that the newly developed prepreg rolls will be utilized for creating test components for Boeing’s 777X aircraft, under a long-term supply contract with Boeing.

According to Sara Abdulla Al Memari, Acting CEO of Strata, the emphasis on advanced materials aligns with the company’s industrial strategic goals. She noted that Strata is enhancing its production capacities in accordance with the UAE's National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, as well as the objectives of the Make it in the Emirates initiative.

Khaled Saif Al Nuaimi, Engineering and Maintenance Manager at Strata Syensqo, stated that their facility in Al Ain is a pioneer in the Middle East. This plant is designed to produce various grades of prepreg materials tailored to client specifications and production needs.

The manufacturing procedure consists of five key phases. It initiates with the creation of industrial resin under controlled pressure and elevated temperatures. This resin is then applied to paper sheets and stored under low-temperature conditions. In subsequent steps, carbon fibres are positioned between resin-coated layers, subjected to heat and pressure, resulting in carbon fibre prepreg material.

Following production, the material is cut to specific sizes per customer requirements, packaged, and preserved under cold storage to ensure quality before dispatch.

Al Nuaimi emphasized that all products are rigorously tested for quality at SSAM’s Al Ain labs, ensuring compliance with international standards. He also underscored the vital role of local Emirati professionals, who are active across engineering, production, maintenance, and quality assurance sectors.

These staff members received specialized training in Germany and the UK, facilitating the transfer of technical knowledge to enhance local expertise in advanced manufacturing.

The robust involvement of local firms at the Make it in the Emirates forum illustrates the UAE's swift advancements in the field of advanced materials and aerospace manufacturing. Experts assert that these progressions are key to reinforcing global supply chains while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s aspiration of evolving into a globally competitive industrial hub.