The Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) heads to Paris for the JEC Europe Composites Show (March 10-12)—the world’s largest composites and advanced materials tradeshow.

From Boeing to TIGHITCO, companies are increasingly locating their advanced materials operations in Charleston | SC | USA. A technical workforce with deep expertise in manufacturing, a world-class port, and numerous research and innovation organizations—all make the region an ideal location for the composites industry.

Here are just some of the companies, organizations and resources strengthening the composites industry across the region and state:

• Boeing Brings Composites Research to the Region—Since Boeing established its 787 Dreamliner facility in North Charleston in 2009, the company has dramatically expanded in the region—adding more than $1 billion in investment. Its latest addition: a new Research & Technology Center to focus on advanced manufacturing technology and composite fuselage manufacturing. To train its workers in composite materials, Boeing also works with readySC, a statewide customized workforce training program.

• Industry-Leading Composites Companies in Charleston | SC | USA—In 2013, TIGHITCO opened a 100,000-sq ft manufacturing facility, which generates composite materials for aircraft. Just two years before, industry leader CargoComposites established its new headquarters and assembly facility in the market.

• More than Airplanes—Last year, Scout Boats Inc., manufacturer of sport fishing boats, announced a $2.5 million investment to expand its facility in the region to meet increased customer demand. The new factory in Summerville will build composite parts for newly designed LXF series.

• A Consortium for Composites—Led bySouth Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), The Composites Manufacturing Technology Center (CMTC) develops improved manufacturing processes for composites and advanced materials. The center also hosts The Composites Consortium (TCC), where more than 30 separate entities, including defense contractors, weapons systems prime contractors, composites industry suppliers and academic institutions work together.

• Resources for Advanced Materials Research—The Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) brings together experts and researchers from numerous industries—including materials science—to advance global restoration technologies. Charleston | SC | USA is also home to the only engineering research center in the country to focus solely on film and fiber research, The Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers & Films.

To learn more about the advanced materials companies and resources located in Charleston | SC | USA or to find out how to connect with us at the JEC Europe Composites Show, click here.