For an undisclosed amount, composites specialist Hexcel (Stamford, Connecticut / USA; www.hexcel.com) is to buy the Aerospace & Defense business of polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) specialist Oxford Performance Materials (OPM, South Windsor, Connecticut / USA; www.oxfordpm.com). The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2017. In addition to intellectual property, Hexcel will acquire equipment and manufacturing process technology at OPM's plant in South Windsor. OPM's other industry and medical technology areas are not included in the acquisition.

In 2016, Hexcel bought into the PEKK specialist – see Plasteurope.com of 02.06.2016. A Hexcel spokeswoman told Plasteurope.com this stake in OPM is to remain.

As before, Hexcel's interest especially applies to the possibilities of additive manufacturing carbon fibre-reinforced PEKK parts for the aircraft industry, which OPM is particularly focused on. Hexcel boss Nick Stanage expects advances in replacing metal die casting parts with plastic parts. OPM recently won a bid from Boeing to 3D print structural parts for the "CST-100 Starliner" series.