2009

The new AIREX^® T92 is introduced featuring highly increased damage tolerance.

Schweiter Technologies acquires Alcan Composites.

2008

The Alcan Composites Conversion Center in Shanghai is inaugurated. From now on customers in South East Asia are directly supplied from their region with AIREX^® and BALTEK^® core materials.
The 2^nd AIREX^® T90 production line goes into operation in a new dedicated building at Alcan Airex AG in Sins.

2008

A central saw mill is built in Ecuador in order to improve logistics of our plantations.

2007

Introduction of AIREX® T91 as a cost-effective core material for the majority of sandwich applications.

2006

Acquisition of Penske LLC in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee broadening the core materials product range with the heavy density fibre reinforced foam AIREX^® PX.

Alcan Airex AG celebrates its 50^th anniversary.

2005

With the launch of AIREX^® T90, the company is the first to introduce PET foam for sandwich applications.

2004

Introduction of the new improved balsa BALTEK^® Gold for demanding applications.

2003

Baltek Corp. joins the Alcan group of companies and becomes Alcan Baltek Corporation, U.S.A.

Alcan Airex AG and Alcan Baltek Corporation form together the global unit Alcan Composites Core Materials.

2001/2002

To meet the growing demand for products used in closed molding processes, GPS™ was developed by Baltek Corp., a special configuration of end-grain balsa and foam cores designed to optimize resin infusion technology.

2000

Alusuisse Group Ltd. becomes a member of the Alcan Group of companies and Alusuisse Airex AG, Switzerland becomes Alcan Airex AG, Switzerland.

In 1999

Baltek Corp. added BALTEK SL™ controlled density end-grain balsa core to the product line.

1995

Baltek Corp. becomes the exclusive distributor for the U.S. market for AIREX^® rigid foams.

Late 1980's

Airex AG reinforces its technology leadership in the sandwich market, launching new core materials.

During the 1980's

Baltek Corp. introduced laminated products with the trade names of DuraKore™, DecoLite^®, GraphiKore^® and EcoForm and a core bonding adhesive with the trade name Baltek-Bond™.

Baltek becomes authorized distributor of Lantor Composites.

1975

Start-up of AIREX^® soft foam production. The innovative closed-cell foam leads to a major impact on the market of marine security devices and gymnastic mats.

Airex AG retains a leading role with a comprehensive product range.

Early 1960's

Airex AG has a leading role in developing the sandwich market with structural foam cores, innovation of a new manufacturing process of closed-cell foam cores.

1956

Airex AG is founded in Sins.

Mid-1950's

Another main use of balsa was introduced when a Chicago engineering group developed a technique to transport liquified natural gas at minus 260°F. Large sea-going LNG tankers, insulated with balsa, were tested successfully and large gas transportation projects were initiated based on the fact that ocean carriers could be built.

1940

Baltek Corp. was founded.

1930's

Balsa was introduced. In those days, tropical woods were mainly used for furniture and in the early automotive industry. During World War I, Baltek developed two new applications for balsa: structural cores for the aerospace industry and the hobby/ model industry. One of the best known and earliest uses of balsa as a structural core was the famous British Mosquito bomber.

Mid-1880's

The Kohn family starts the import of tropical hardwoods to France. Their main interest was in the trading and promotion of tropical species, such as mahogany from the Americas and limba from Africa.