The National Composites Centre (NCC) on 25 June 2025 confirmed the initial location of its open-access Carbon Fibre Development Facility, a major milestone for UK advanced materials innovation. Recognised within the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, the initiative aims to bolster strategic growth sectors, including aerospace, defence, and clean energy.

The national innovation asset will be established at the site of technology partner Cygnet Texkimp in Northwich, Cheshire West. The facility will house two digitally-enabled carbon fibre development lines, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This state-of-the-art centre will serve as a critical stepping stone to advance and industrialise sovereign carbon fibre manufacturing capability in the UK.

Businesses using the facility will gain access to world-class on-site materials expertise and collaboration opportunities within the North West’s renowned chemical and materials cluster, alongside the West of England’s leadership in advanced engineering.

The facility’s spinning line is among the two development lines designed to accelerate innovation and production. Initial testing is scheduled for Autumn 2025, with full operations commencing in Spring 2026. Beyond enabling carbon fibre innovation, the site will train the next generation of chemists and engineers, strengthening the UK’s sovereign supply chains and supporting long-term industrial competitiveness.

Richard Oldfield, CEO of NCC, said: “Our new Carbon Fibre Development Facility demonstrates NCC’s leadership in advanced material technologies, vital to accelerating the growth and competitiveness of the UK’s growth sectors. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Cygnet Texkimp to develop this new manufacturing capability for carbon fibre, strategically located to facilitate collaborative partnerships and deliver industrial impact for the UK.”

Luke Vardy, CEO of Cygnet Texkimp, commented: “We’re extremely pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with NCC and fulfil our long-term ambition to develop this capability within the UK. This facility directly complements our existing fibre processing and recycling capabilities, allowing us to showcase UK advanced materials innovation and manufacturing expertise across the product lifecycle. The opportunity to develop the next generation of British textile machinery and materials engineers in the North of England’s traditional textile manufacturing belt is also a very exciting and fitting prospect.”