Fiber Dynamics, a Wichita-based innovator in Aerospace Composites, has announced a strategic partnership with Austrian engineering firm – FILL to expand high-performance composite manufacturing in the United States, as per the Greater Wichita Partnership's coverage. The announcement was made at the Paris Air Show in coordination with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), highlighting Kansas's growing influence in global aerospace innovation.

The collaboration aims to scale Fiber Dynamics' advanced processes and proprietary low-cost tooling technologies by integrating FILL’s automation and non-destructive testing systems. With NIAR’s support, the partnership aims to enhance domestic aerospace and defense supply chains by expanding manufacturing capacity and driving innovation. 

“This partnership is about growing the capacity to manufacture right here in the United States,” said Darrin Teeter, Founder and CEO/CTO of Fiber Dynamics. “With FILL’s automation and NIAR’s research expertise, we’re laying the groundwork to meet rising demand across aerospace and defense sectors.”

Founded in Wichita over three decades ago, Fiber Dynamics is recognized for its lost core tooling process, which enables the manufacture of complex composite parts in a single molding operation. FILL’s US division, FILL USA, will work with NIAR’s Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS) to develop high-rate thermoplastic composite manufacturing—an industry-first capability with significant implications for domestic production. 

“Bringing together FILL’s state-of-the-art systems with NIAR’s research creates a powerful platform for growth,” said Andreas Fill, CEO of FILL. “It reinforces our commitment to building competitive, scalable production in the U.S." 

"This is a perfect example of how industry, innovation, and education can come together to grow our economy and strengthen our workforce,” said Mayor Wu. “Wichita continues to lead in advanced manufacturing.” 

The partnership plans to enable automated composite production from raw fiber to finished, quality-inspected components. FILL USA also announced plans to establish a U.S.-based Technology and Applications Center to support ongoing system deployments. 

“This collaboration reflects the momentum across our region,” said Jeff Fluhr, President of the Greater Wichita Partnership. “NIAR is proving to be a powerful catalyst in turning aerospace R&D into scalable manufacturing solutions.” 

Source: greaterwichitapartnership.org