Albany Engineered Composites (AEC), a business segment of Albany International Corp. (NYSE: AIN), has entered into a strategic partnership with A&P Technology to develop advanced braided composite manufacturing solutions for current and next-generation aerospace and defense applications.
The collaboration combines A&P Technology’s expertise in precision braided composite reinforcement technologies with Albany Engineered Composites’ advanced Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) manufacturing capabilities. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the production of lightweight, highly integrated composite structures designed to meet the evolving performance, cost, and production requirements of the aerospace and defense industries.
According to Chris Stone, President of Albany Engineered Composites, future aerospace platforms require manufacturing technologies that enhance performance, reduce recurring production costs, and support significantly higher production rates. He noted that integrating A&P Technology’s advanced braiding capabilities with Albany’s proven RTM expertise will help transform innovative composite textile architectures into reliable, production-ready solutions for customers.
The partnership will focus on collaborative research, technology development, manufacturing process advancement, and commercialization of purpose-built braided composite structures. Target applications include next-generation aero engines, commercial aircraft, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) blades and structural components, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), and solid rocket motor nozzles.
Andy Head, President of A&P Technology, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that Albany’s decades of experience in designing and manufacturing components for demanding aerospace applications make the partnership particularly valuable. He added that combining the strengths of both companies will enable composite solutions that deliver improved manufacturing rates while enhancing cost efficiency and overall performance.
As aerospace manufacturers continue to pursue larger, more integrated composite structures to reduce assembly complexity and increase production efficiency, the combination of braided composite preforms with automated RTM processing offers a scalable manufacturing approach.
Brent Stevenson, Vice President of Emerging Markets and Technology at Albany Engineered Composites, emphasized that customers increasingly seek complete manufacturing solutions rather than individual processes. He explained that braiding and RTM technologies naturally complement one another, enabling highly engineered composite structures capable of supporting complex geometries, efficient production processes, and scalable manufacturing for both current and future aerospace and defense programs.
About A&P Technology
A&P Technology is a global leader in precision braided reinforcement technologies, providing innovative composite solutions for aerospace, defense, industrial and advanced mobility applications. The company develops purpose-designed braided composite architectures that enable lightweight, high-performance structures for demanding environments.
About Albany Engineered Composites
Albany Engineered Composites, a segment of Albany International Corp. (NYSE: AIN), designs and manufactures advanced engineered composite components for engine and airframe applications in commercial and military aircraft, missiles and unmanned vehicles. Albany’s specialty composite solutions enable current and next-generation aircraft to perform better while being more fuel efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly.
About Albany International Corp.
Albany is a leading materials science developer and manufacturer of engineered components, using advanced materials processing and automation capabilities, with two core businesses:
- Machine Clothing is the world’s leading producer of custom-designed consumable belts, essential for the manufacture of paper, paperboard, tissue, and towel, as well as pulp, non-wovens and a variety of other industrial applications.
- Albany Engineered Composites is a growing designer and manufacturer of advanced materials-based engineered components for demanding aerospace applications, supporting both commercial and military platforms.
Albany International is headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, operates 25 facilities in 12 countries, employs approximately 5,700 people worldwide and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol AIN).
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