January 6, 2011 (Arlington, Va.) – The ACE Awards honor and recognize those companies that have demonstrated exceptional composites technology, process and design innovations—the best of the best. This year, the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) is pleased to report a record 46 submissions for these prestigious awards. This reflects the growth and innovation that are hallmark to the composites industry.
Winners of the ACE Awards will be announced during COMPOSITES 2011, the Composites Exhibition and Convention, to be held February 2-4 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, during a special luncheon on February 3.
The ACE Awards competition has been enhanced and organized under three main categories to reflect the activity and current direction of the composites industry. All categories are open to manufacturers, and now academia, equipment suppliers, software developers and end-users may also enter specific categories providing infinite possibilities for market growth. The new categories include:
DESIGN Category
- Most Creative Application
- Innovation in Green Composites Design, Sponsored by Ashland Inc.
MANUFACTURING Category
- Process Innovation
- Equipment Innovation
MARKET GROWTH Category
- Infinite Possibility for Market Growth, Sponsored by Ashland Inc.
- Composites Sustainability
All 46 entries will be on display at the Awards Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall, from pultruded fiber reinforced polymer observation towers for Northern Fur Seals in the Baltic Sea, to police shields that can stop a 44 Magnum bullet at 15 feet but weigh less than 14 lbs. and durable kayaks that combine the low weight and mechanical properties of epoxy with the durability and superior cosmetics of gelcoat. You’ll also see some of the most innovative technical advances that will pave the way for the future of composites.
In addition to recognition at COMPOSITES 2011, the ACE competition winners will receive a beautiful crystal sculpture and will be featured in Composites Manufacturing magazine, on the ACMA website and in press releases directed to industry, end-users and hometown publications.
The ACE Awards Competition is sponsored by Composites One and Cook Composites and Polymers (CCP).
COMPOSITES is the largest composites event in North America. The annual event is designed to provide composites manufacturers, end users, suppliers and distributors with the ideas, solutions, education and networking they need to remain knowledgeable and competitive. For more information, to register and make hotel reservations, visit www.acmashow.org.