Wichita’s Global Edge: New International Partnership Expands Aerospace Manufacturing in the U.S.

Wichita’s position as a global hub for aerospace innovation has just strengthened.

Fiber Dynamics, a Wichita-based leader in aerospace composites, has announced a strategic partnership with Austrian engineering company FILL to expand composite manufacturing capabilities in the United States. This international collaboration is supported by Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), further proving the innovation ecosystem rooted in south-central Kansas.

The announcement was made on June 16 at the Paris Air Show, where global aerospace leaders gather to shape the future of the industry. It marks a significant milestone in reshoring production to the U.S. and reinforcing domestic aerospace and defense supply chains.

“This partnership is about growing the capacity to manufacture right here in the United States,” said Darrin Teeter, Founder and CEO/CTO of Fiber Dynamics. “With FILL’s automation and non-destructive testing technology and NIAR’s research depth, we are developing a road map for scaling our advanced processes and low-cost tooling capabilities to meet rising demand across aerospace and defense.”

Global Technology, Local Innovation

Founded in Wichita over 34 years ago, Fiber Dynamics is recognized for pioneering lost core tooling methodologies, which enable the production of complex composite structures in a single molding operation. The new collaboration with FILL USA, the domestic arm of Austria-based FILL GmbH, will enhance and scale those processes to meet rising demand.

FILL is also working with the National Institute for Aviation Research’s (NIAR) Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS) to develop ultra high-rate thermoplastic composite manufacturing which is an industry-first advancement with the potential to revolutionize how advanced parts are made in the U.S.

“Bringing together FILL’s state-of-the-art systems with NIAR’s research expertise creates a powerful platform for growth,” said Andreas Fill, CEO of FILL. “This partnership underscores our shared commitment to U.S. production and global competitiveness.”

“This marks a turning point in how the U.S. can competitively and sustainably produce advanced composites at scale,” added Martin Reiter, CFO and Managing Director of FILL USA.

Delegation’s Commitment to Global Growth

Ahead of the Paris announcement, a Kansas delegation visited FILL’s Austrian headquarters to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities. Participants included Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson, Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner, officials from the Kansas Department of Commerce and leadership from the Greater Wichita Partnership.

The visit offered a firsthand look at FILL’s innovation-driven business model and reinforced the message that Wichita is committed to international investment.

“Wichita continues to lead the way in aerospace and advanced manufacturing,” said Mayor Lily Wu. “This partnership is a perfect example of what’s possible when industry, innovation and education unite. It’s a win for our workforce, our economy and our global reputation.”

“This collaboration reflects the kind of momentum we’re seeing across our region,” said Jeff Fluhr, President of the Partnership. “International companies are increasingly choosing Wichita to invest and grow, and NIAR is proving to be a powerful catalyst for turning R&D into real-world impact.”

Building a Future-Ready Supply Chain

The partnership will enable automated composite part production, from raw fiber to finished, inspected components, serving commercial aviation, defense and other high-performance industries. With continued system installations across the U.S., FILL USA also plans to expand its physical footprint with a U.S.-based Technology and Applications Center.

This is a strategic investment in Wichita’s future as a center of excellence for advanced manufacturing and global competitiveness.

Stay tuned as this partnership evolves and continues to elevate Wichita’s global standing as the Air Capital of the World.