Composites: Modest growth in 1996

Shipments of composites, such as fiberglass and other reinforced polymers, will show modest growth this year, basically mirroring that of the economy, according to a forecast by the Composites Institute, an arm of the Society of the Plastics Industry, Washington, D.C. The institute estimates that U.S. shipments in 1996 will reach about 3.24 billion lb, up 2.2% from 1995. This is the third straight year that composites will have topped 3 billion lb and the fifth year in a row that shipments have increased. In announcing the forecast late last month, Catherine A. Randazzo, executive director of the Composites Institute, said: "Growth in the composites industry is closely tracking the overall domestic economy. The first half of 1996 is probably going to be the stronger half, particularly if there is an increase in interest rates during the latter part of 1996." The 2.2% increase expected for this year is well below the 3.6% annual growth ...