To all, here's highlights from my telecon with Zsolt Rumy today.
(1) FY 1996 carbon filament shipment was 3.5 million lbs. which represents about 60% more production compared 1995. Carbon fiber product comprised about 60% of 1996 revenues. All carbon fiber production came from single production line.
(2) Five additional lines will be installed in FY97. One, in St. Louis, two in Hungary, two more in a new location. Some production from these will start in third quarter. Total 17 lines will be in operation by end of FY98.
(3) Zoltek is world's largest producer of large tow fiber comprising 48,000, 160,000, and 320,000 filaments-per-thread products.
(4) Zoltek's product at <$8/lb is creating new markets --like automotive and structural composites applications, and is not displacing other carbon fiber producers in their respective markets (like golf shafts, aerospace, etc.).
(5) Zoltek probably has 2-3 years lead time, according to Rumy, in low cost producibility technology and know-how over potential competitors who may eventually challenge for the same business.
(6) The 2 million new shares issued in September at $32/share were all represented in the 4Q earnings announcement.
Regards to all,
Tulvio
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