Japan's Ube Industries, Boeing join forces to develop new materials for aerospace

19-Feb-09

Boeing, the world leading aerospace company, has recently entered into an agreement with Ube Industries, Ltd., one of Japan's top chemical companies, to work together on development of new materials technology for aerospace applications. The initial focus of the collaboration will be on maturing high-temperature polymer matrix composites for Boeing's commercial airplanes that is intended to reduce the weight and cost of airframe structures in close proximity to the engines. Boeing and Ube also will seek to identify additional areas of mutual interest for joint development under the agreement. The agreement, signed last month, establishes an initial two-year collaboration period, which can be extended based on mutual interests. "Japan and Boeing have a long, successful history of working together," said Nicole Piasecki, president of Boeing Japan. "The collaborative agreement with Ube Industries expands our relationships and recognizes the outstanding capabilities of Japanese industry." Koji Kihira, president of Ube's Specialty Chemicals and Products Company added, "While Ube Industries has long provided certain materials for aerospace applications, this new agreement is an important first step in leveraging Ube's world-class expertise in chemistry to open the door to broader supply of aerospace products."