IDI opens new global HQ and manufacturing facility

IDI Composites International (IDI) has opened its new global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Noblesville, Indiana.

The company says the investment represents a significant milestone in its commitment to innovation and excellence in the production of thermoset composite materials.

“We really believe our new manufacturing operations will help lead the industry to the next level of competency that’s going to be needed in order to meet the growing expectations for more sophisticated composites solutions; our intention is to make composites the best material choice.” explained Tom Merrell, CEO.

The new 120,000sqft facility houses IDI’s corporate headquarters, sheet moulding compound (SMC) and bulk moulding compound (BMC) manufacturing, and 3i Composites Technology Centre.

IDI will also double its production capacity of SMC and BMC.

“The Noblesville facility is a testament to IDI’s commitment to the industry, designing and manufacturing composite materials that provide engineering advantages and value to our customers and their products,” says Tom Flood, vice president of IDI Composites International – North America.

The Noblesville facility is a testament to IDI’s commitment to the industry.

Tom Flood

The new facility will house three production SMC lines, including two new, 60in wide lines.

The facility will also house IDI’s Ultrium Carbon Fibre SMC line and a pilot R&D line in the 3i Composites Technology Centre.

Other facility features include an expanded resin tank farm and filler silos to house and distribute critical raw material components throughout the plant, freeing up space for increased production capacity.

In addition, there are hot and cold storage areas to accommodate SMC and BMC to maintain optimal material conditions.

A fleet of AGVs will be deployed to handle materials throughout the plant.

The new centre will also house a new dedicated research, development, and testing centre to identify and develop new products to meet growing market demands.

The new headquarters adds to IDI’s global footprint which also includes manufacturing centres in Mexico, Puerto Rico, France, the UK, and China.

IDI Composites was founded in 1966 and formulates and manufactures thermoset moulding composites and compounds.