Cygnet Texkimp has been shortlisted in the JEC Innovation Awards for its work with McLaren Automotive to industrialise the ART high-rate fibre deposition technology.
The collaboration was selected as one of three finalists in the ‘Automotive & Road Transportation – Process’ category of the awards, which recognise the most innovative composites solutions in the world.
“The JEC Innovation Awards are considered one of the most prestigious and competitive accolades in the global composites industry and it is a huge honour to have been selected as a finalist,” says Luke Vardy, CEO, Cygnet Texkimp.
“Our work with McLaren is significant because it unlocks enormous potential for large-scale global markets to access the benefits of a highly specialised carbon fibre and composites manufacturing solution first developed for aerospace and high performance automotive-grade composites.”
ART (Automated Rapid Tape) is a high-rate fibre deposition solution designed and built by Cygnet Texkimp from a concept originally developed by McLaren Automotive. The technology is designed to manufacture high performance, ultra-lightweight, complex composite parts sustainably and at rate with minimal scrap.
The technology is already integrated into McLaren’s manufacturing processes and is producing ultra-lightweight composite parts, including highly loaded and complex aerodynamic components, for its current supercar programmes, including the McLaren W1 Ultimate Supercar.
Cygnet Texkimp and McLaren have also formed an exclusive licensing agreement that allows Cygnet Texkimp to market the solution to other industries including aerospace, space, defence, wind energy and industrial as part of a long-term strategy to enable high-rate, sustainable manufacture of composites.
The JEC Innovation Awards will be presented at the JEC World Premiere in Paris on 12th January 2026 and shortlisted entries will be showcased at JEC World 2026, 10-12 March 2026.