Composites manufacturer appoints new R&D Manager for UK

Starting as an apprentice development technologist in rubber compounding, Dykes completed a polymer science and technology degree followed by research toward a PhD at Cranfield University where he studied damage detection systems for composite aircraft structures. He continued there as a research officer looking at the automated manufacture of composite components. As a customer, he has worked with Exel Composites since 2002 and has held a director position at Composite Mast Engineering, making him well positioned to increase Exel’s market share in the UK.

“My career has always been about developing better materials for structures like communication masts and aircraft. For example, I designed and manufactured portable communication masts, and carbon composite shelter structures. This is how I came to work with Exel Composites nearly 20 years ago. My experience in composite processing research, and as a technical manager in carbon fabric design and resin infusion manufacture, will benefit Exel’s forward-thinking R&D team. Together, we can drive innovation in composite technology and business growth across the UK,” said Dykes.

“As experts in pultrusion and pull-winding, Exel produces large volumes of robust, reliable, and efficient composites for building, transportation, telecommunications, wind power, and other applications.  I will help expand the use of composites in these applications across the UK by improving and optimising both production and structural performance

“Exel combines a large manufacturing footprint and the expertise of a global company with the ability to offer local production and support from its Runcorn factory. This means customers can benefit from working with industry leaders across the world without needing to worry about disruptions to global supply chains,” continues Dykes.

“We have a growing customer base in the UK, and Neil’s experience in advanced composite research makes him an asset to the global R&D team,” commented Kim Sjödahl, senior vice president of technology and R&D at Exel Composites. “Having Neil will help us to grow our R&D capabilities and understand and design composite solutions that are best suited for their unique challenges, across the many industries we serve.”