SGL inks deal with BMW

WIESBADEN, Germany — SGL Carbon announced Tuesday that it has received a “multi-year substantial contract” from BMW to produce “an innovative glass-fiber-based” battery housing for the German auto maker’s “future plug-in hybrid,” according to an SGL press release.

Raj Junginger, head of SGL investor relations, said that carbon-reinforced plastics are ideal for hybrid automobile components because of their light weight, stiffness and ability to securely prevent water and gas seepage.

Junginger added that SGL will continue to supply BMW with carbon fiber and reinforced components for the company’s i3 series, 7 series and the planned high-tech BMW NEXT, which the company intends to launch in 2021.

SGL has also filled a “major order from a North American auto maker” and has delivered prototype components to a car maker in China, the press release noted.

SGL processes carbon fiber at its Moses Lake facility, which is then shipped to Germany to be woven into panels, cured with epoxy, and then cut into parts widely used by auto makers and aerospace firms.

— Charles H. Featherstone