Boeing and Alenia Aeronautica have signed a letter of intent to build a composite recycling facility in southern Italy. Along with partners Milled Carbon of the UK, Italian-based Karborek and the Italian agency for new technologies, energy and the environment (ENEA), the two companies intend to “advance industry knowledge.” New applications could include automotive, civil engineering and sporting goods, among others.

The companies expect the factory to go into operation in the second half of 2009 in the Puglia region, near Alenia’s factory and facilities of its supply chain. When in full swing, the recycling plant would process an average 1,000 metric tons (2.2 million pounds) of composite scrap annually. Some 75 employees will work there.