Owens Corning, BMCi JV targets thermoset composites

Toledo, Ohio-based Owens Corning and Chicago-based Bulk Molding Compounds Inc. (BMCi), are joining forces to promote thermoset composite bulk molding compounds (BMCs) as an alternative to steel, wood and aluminum.
To accomplish this goal, the firms have formed a joint venture, FastTrak Application Development LLC; the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“This joint venture is a natural, given the long relationship between BMCi and Owens Corning and together, I’m confident that FastTrak will be apowerful combination for both our companies and the marketplace,” Fran Zappitelli, executive vice-president of BMCi, said in a statement.
FastTrak will be initially focused on the North American market and will be headquartered in Addison, Ill., close to BMCi in Chicago.
The firm will focus on application development to help manufacturers adopt BMC to help manufacturers realize the benefits of BMCs, Owens Corning and BMCi, said in a joint statement.
Benefits include added flexibility in design and manufacturing, lighter weight, lower cost, improved strength, and higher temperature resistance thermoset composites can offer over tradtional materials, the companies noted.