Composites Alliance of Rhode Island | About Us
159
page-template-default,page,page-id-159,has-dashicons,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-theme-ver-5.4,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-4.12,vc_responsive
 

About Us

The following FAQs will give you more information about the Composites Alliance of Rhode Island and the capabilities of this statewide business sector.
.

What types of composites companies are located in Rhode Island?

.
Rhode Island’s East Bay is the home to more than 35 companies that focus primarily on carbon fiber and fiberglass composite manufacturing. Statewide, there are more than 50 composite companies in this industry. In addition to production companies, Rhode Island has supporting companies including product weavers such as Concordia Fibers; suppliers such as Gurit, Composites One and Core Composites; one of the country’s leading mold builders, Symmetrix; education and training providers such as IYRS and short-term training programs such as the Marine Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program; research and advanced training facilities including University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University and Rhode Island School of Design. Click here to see the list of Rhode Island-based composites companies.

.
What markets are these companies working in?
.

A wide range of industries that manufacture structures that need to be light in weight yet strong, durable, and corrosion resistant already use composites as a structural material—among them, aerospace, wind energy, transportation, marine, automotive, construction, and pipe & tank industries.
.
.

Why was the Composites Alliance of Rhode Island founded?
.

The Composites Alliance of Rhode Island is a consortium of companies and stakeholders focused on growing the composites industry in Rhode Island through advocacy, education and promotion. The Alliance was formed in May 2014, after an industry roundtable that drew a hundred thought leaders from government and industry who together determined a clear need for a unified approach to exploring the capabilities of the state’s composites industry, its needs, and its ability to create jobs. Rhode Island boat builders were among the early pioneers building successfully with composites and are revered for their innovation and design work; but companies in this statewide business sector require assistance in reaching out to new customers and showcasing their capabilities to transition from largely marine-only production to working in the wider composites industry. The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) is working with members of the Alliance to connect composites companies to capacity-building resources, market industry capabilities to customers, potential employees and the general public, and expose and link youth and new workers to career opportunities, provide professional development and incumbent training opportunities.

.
.

What type of training programs are Rhode Island companies able to access for skilled workers?
.

Rhode Island is fortunate to have several high quality training schools such as the IYRS School of Technology and Trades, New England Institute of Technology, and MTTI with programs and certifications tailored to the specific needs of the industry and with world-class results.
.
Coordinated by RIMTA in partnership with the Alliance, the Marine Trades & Composites Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program is geared to individuals looking to gain the skills needed for entry-level positions in the marine and composites industries. In addition, the Alliance and RIMTA co-ordinate and partner with area trainers to offer professional development and certification training on topics such as environmental regulations, OSHA, human resources, and industry roundtable discussions. Contact Director of Programs Jen Cornwell for more details on the program.
.

What key priorities is the Alliance focused on?
.

There are two key priorities for the Alliance – 1) Economic Development: Increase the number of new contracts between composites companies and composite customers; and 2) Workforce Development: Meet employers’ needs for a skilled workforce now and in the future.  An increase in available jobs for Rhode Islanders is a natural result of assisting existing companies in building capacity and attracting new contracts.
.

What is the best way to learn if there are Rhode Island companies that are a good match for my company’s project?
.

Contact the Composites Alliance to learn more about the composites capabilities of this statewide business sector.