The Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG Group) has announced that it has successfully acquired full ownership of CPC SRL, a prominent Italian company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of automobile components crafted from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).
This pivotal acquisition that began with minority ownership in 2017 aligns with MCG Group’s long-term strategic vision to further expand and enhance its vertically integrated carbon fiber supply chain. Pending regulatory approvals, the transaction is anticipated to be finalized in late 2023.
CFRP has garnered growing attention in the global automotive market for its role in making car bodies lighter, a vital element in meeting stringent fuel economy regulations and reducing CO2 emissions. As the automotive industry swiftly embraces CFRP in their auto components, the MCG Group is poised to become a dominant player by offering optimal solutions to customers throughout the value chain, from component design to production.
CPC has technological expertise and know-how in a range of auto component fields, including component design and simulation, molding of carbon fiber composite materials, tooling and mold design and manufacturing, painting composites and sub-component assembly.
With one of the world’s largest press facilities capable of developing and molding large component materials exclusively dedicated to composite materials, the MCG Group is well-positioned to accelerate the use of carbon fiber composite materials such as Sheet Molding Compound (CF-SMC) and Prepreg Compression Molding (PCM) in automotive components by leveraging CPC’s design capabilities, molding technologies, development and proposal power, and its commercial distribution networks with European and U.S. car makers.
Ralph Meier, MCG Group Vice President of Specialty Materials Business Group in Europe, commented: “This marks a pivotal moment in our journey, reaffirming our commitment to delivering a complete solution to the carbon fiber market. We have had a great working relationship with CPC, and this acquisition represents the natural next step, allowing us to take our offerings to the next level.”
