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At the renowned Paris Air Show, Fiber Dynamics, an advanced composites manufacturer based in Wichita, Kansas, and Austrian engineering firm FILL GmbH officially revealed a strategic alliance aimed at scaling aerospace manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
The partnership is designed to enhance domestic production of high-performance composite structures, with key support from Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).
The announcement was made at the Air Capital of the World chalet, reflecting Wichita’s global status in the aviation industry.
“Our goal is to boost manufacturing capacity here in the U.S.,” said Darrin Teeter, CEO and CTO of Fiber Dynamics. “By combining FILL’s automation with NIAR’s research strength, we’re ready to meet the increasing demand across aerospace and defense sectors.”
A 34-Year Wichita Legacy Meets Austrian Innovation
Fiber Dynamics, with over three decades of experience in composite tooling and manufacturing, is renowned for its lost core tooling methods—technology that allows manufacturers to mold complex aerospace components like propeller blades and flight control surfaces in a single operation.
In 2024, the company joined forces with FILL USA, Inc., the American arm of FILL GmbH, to scale production techniques and further embed their footprint in the U.S. aerospace supply chain.
NIAR and ATLAS Drive High-Speed Composite Capabilities
FILL’s technology has already demonstrated impact through collaboration with NIAR’s Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS).
Together, they have achieved significant advances in thermoplastic composite production, enhancing both efficiency and scalability for next-generation aerospace manufacturing.
“This partnership is a powerful example of how Kansas-based businesses can harness NIAR’s innovation to compete globally,” said Dr. John Tomblin, NIAR Executive Director and WSU Senior VP for Industry and Defense Programs.
Kansas Delegation Visits Austria to Strengthen Ties
A key event in this international partnership occurred just before the Paris Air Show, when a Kansas delegation—including Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner, and representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce—visited FILL’s headquarters in Austria.
The tour focused on workforce development models and reaffirmed Wichita’s commitment to global collaboration.
“This partnership shows what happens when industry, innovation, and education unite,” said Mayor Lily Wu. “It’s a win for our city’s workforce, economy, and international reputation.”
Strategic Growth to Solidify Wichita’s Global Aerospace Role
The long-term vision includes establishing a U.S.-based Technology and Applications Center as FILL USA continues its expansion.
The project aims to automate the end-to-end production of composite parts for both commercial and defense aerospace sectors, ensuring high-quality, inspected final components.
This development reinforces Wichita’s position as a global aerospace innovation hub, while further advancing America’s reshoring efforts in high-tech manufacturing.
Powering Economic and Educational Impact in Kansas
- Fiber Dynamics is a leading specialist in Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), providing critical structures for aerospace clients.
- NIAR at Wichita State University leads the nation in aerospace R&D, with annual research investments surpassing $400 million.
- The Greater Wichita Partnership continues to drive regional growth through a focus on jobs, talent, and quality of place.
The partnership between Fiber Dynamics and FILL GmbH, backed by NIAR and supported by state and local leaders, represents a bold step forward for aerospace manufacturing in Wichita and the United States.
With a focus on automation, advanced research, and global collaboration, this initiative promises to strengthen the American aerospace supply chain, attract international investment, and create high-tech job opportunities in Kansas.