Honeywell Continues to Expand Virginia Spectra Fibers Plant

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). Honeywell (NYSE: HON) (Morristown, New Jersey) plans to expand its Spectra HMWPE (high-molecular weight polyethylene) fiber capacity as part of its phase two expansion project at a plant located in Colonial Heights, Virginia (Plant 1019701). The project consists of the addition of a new HMWPE Spectra fiber unit (PEC 27001267).

Honeywell is hoping to have capital approval by the end of the year. Design of the project is being provided by O'Neal, Incorporated (Greenville, South Carolina). O'Neal will also provide construction services, which are slated to begin in May of next year with completion scheduled for second quarter of 2005.

Phase one consisted of an investment of an estimated $20 million and was completed late 2002. It included the installation of a new HMWPE gel-spinning line to produce a new generation of fibers and increase drawing capacity to enhance various products such as armor and high-strength ropes.

Spectra fiber is an extended chain polyethylene fiber that has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of any manmade fiber. The incredibly light fiber is resistant to chemicals, water and ultra violet light. It is used in applications such as personal and automotive armor, high-strength rope, sails for yachts, fishing line and various other products where high strength and lightweight are crucial.

Honeywell is a manufacturing leader of aerospace products and services, automotive products, specialty chemicals, fibers, plastics and advanced materials just to name a few. Headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, Honeywell employs an estimated 100,000 in over 95 countries.