MAE is a globally recognised manufacturer of carbon fibre production plants, with extensive experience in engineering design. Its expertise covers the entire production chain: from licensed technologies for precursor production (suspension and solution polymerisation, solution  preparation, wet and dry-wet spinning, solvent recovery, and waste precursor solution recovery) to the supply of complete carbonisation lines for fibres based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN), cellulose, pitch and other types of precursors.

MAE created in 2005 its own operating branch in Shanghai. In 2021, the company based in the Italian northern city of Piacenza announced it would carry out a contract in China for a total of 73.5 M euros (RMB 560 million), for the construction of plants dedicated to the production of carbon fibre. 

Also in 2021, the company opened the MAE Museum, located at MAE’s Italian headquarters. It is a museum about carbon fibre, built largely out of carbon fibre, both new and recycled, pursuing a circular approach to design.

Know-how integration

The agreement provides for collaboration between the parties, focused on integrating their respective technical skills while respecting each company’s area of expertise. The transfer of knowledge will be based exclusively on technological know-how already present in both companies.

The main areas of cooperation include:

• Joint development and production of carbonisation lines for the conversion of PAN precursor fibres into carbon fibres, aimed at optimising production efficiency and product quality.
• Integration of technical resources and research and development activities to address technological challenges in the construction of machinery used in carbon fibre production plants.
• Creation of exchange and training programmes for technical personnel to promote the growth of interdisciplinary teams.

This strategic partnership aims to generate mutual benefits. ZFJ will be able to further strengthen its technological capabilities in the carbonisation plants sector, reinforcing its position in the value chain of new composite materials. MAE, on the other hand, will be able to leverage ZFJ ‘s manufacturing capacity and market channels to expand its market presence.

The collaboration responds to the growing demand for carbon fibre in high-tech sectors such as aerospace, automotive (new energy vehicles) and wind energy. The agreement combines Italian engineering with established Chinese industrial capacity and quality standards, with the goal of making a tangible contribution to the technological advancement of the new materials sector.