MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- (Marketwire) -- 11/26/12 -- Despatch Industries, the leader in thermal process technologies for carbon fiber production, has set up the carbon fiber pilot equipment line for the Australian "Carbon Nexus" research facility located at Deakin University to undertake performance and qualification testing prior to shipping the line to Australia. The new facility to house the line is currently in the final stages of construction at Deakin University's Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus in Victoria, Australia. When the facility is completed in 2013, it will house the 20 ton per annum carbon fiber pilot line and a complete micro-scale Carbon Fiber Research production line, both provided by Despatch Industries.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to see the pilot equipment line set up and running and to be able to run our qualification and performance tests prior to shipment," states Brad Dunstan, CEO of VCAMM and partner in Carbon Nexus. "The capability that the Despatch pilot line brings uniquely positions the Carbon Nexus facility globally. We look forward to its final commissioning in Australia next year so the fundamental industrial research can commence in earnest."

Despatch Industries' CTO Steve Atkiss adds, "Having both the CFR and the pilot-scale production lines in house will allow the Carbon Nexus to service the R&D needs of any carbon fiber manufacturer. The capabilities of the Deakin team and the equipment in the Carbon Nexus facility will be unmatched by any other carbon fiber research institution."

About VCAMM: VCAMM Ltd is the Victorian Center for Advanced Materials Manufacturing, a not-for-profit company representing a consortium of public R&D organizations. VCAMM facilitates technology development and commercialization for Australian manufacturing businesses. VCAMM identifies technology projects, partners, capabilities and commercial opportunities, and also assembles resources and manages program delivery.
For more information on VCAMM, visit: www.vcamm.com.au

About Deakin University: Deakin University is home to the Center for Materials and Fiber Innovation (CMFI) within the Institute for Technology Research and Innovation. Internationally renowned for its research in composites, fibers and nanomaterials, CMFI will lead the Carbon Fiber research at the ACFRF. For more information on Deakin University, visit: www.deakin.edu.au

Despatch Industries is the expert in thermal process technology. For over forty years, carbon fiber manufacturers have utilized our world-leading oxidation technology to produce the highest quality and most uniform fiber. We offer the experience and knowledge to provide fully integrated lines for small and large tow. Recent Despatch advancements enable our global customers to achieve the lowest cost per kilogram of fiber produced. For more information on Despatch visit our website: www.despatch.com.

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