KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IACMI-The Composites Institute® announced today that Andrew Maxey joined IACMI on Sept. 1 as its new Executive Vice President (EVP). IACMI is one of 17 Manufacturing USA® institutes created to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing through large scale public-private collaboration on technology, supply chain and workforce development.
Maxey brings 20 years of leadership in composites innovation, technology commercialization, and cross-sector collaboration. In this pivotal role, he will be primarily responsible for transitioning IACMI’s strategic vision into executable actions. Maxey will also work closely with IACMI leadership and staff to set priorities to continue expanding and integrating IACMI’s two key pillars: technical innovation and workforce development.
“Andrew has been part of IACMI’s journey from nearly the beginning, when his startup company Vartega joined as a member in November 2015,” said IACMI CEO Chad Duty. “Over the past decade, we’ve celebrated Vartega’s growth with two ribbon cuttings at new facilities and seen firsthand the impact IACMI can have to convene, connect, and catalyze. We’re thrilled to bring Andrew onboard and welcome his passion and expertise.”
Through collaborative IACMI 1.0 projects, Vartega was able to demonstrate the ability to close the loop on automotive composites manufacturing scrap and the viability of recycled carbon fiber in fiber reinforced compounds via Vartega’s EasyFeed Bundles. To support Vartega’s continued growth and broaden the geographical reach, Vartega assets and IP were sold to R&M International Sales, effective June 9, 2026. The fifty-year-old family-owned recycler will carry forward Vartega's platform, advancing recycled carbon fiber for the thermoplastics industry and the automotive programs it supplies.
“IACMI has played a critical role in Vartega’s success,” said new IACMI EVP Andrew Maxey. “Through close collaboration on multiple projects and hosting several interns, I was able to witness the powerful influence that IACMI has had on the composites industry. I was attracted to this opportunity not only because of IACMI’s leadership in composites but also the broad impact they are having as they support workforce development efforts across the United States. The security and prosperity of our country will be built in large part by the next generation of composites technicians, metalworkers, CNC machine operators, and tool and die makers. I am grateful that I get to work with an amazing team and play a continuing role in supporting composites technology innovation while developing our nation’s workforce.”
Based in Colorado, Maxey holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He has broad experience in executive leadership, technology development, design, and project management in the composites, oil & gas, cleantech, and commercial construction industries.
About IACMI
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) is focused on strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and advanced materials. IACMI brings together nearly 200 industry, academic, and government partners to accelerate advanced manufacturing technologies and products and develop the next generation of skilled workers. Established in 2015 by the U.S. Department of Energy, IACMI is part of the Manufacturing USA® network of institutes working to secure America’s global leadership in advanced manufacturing. Since 2019, IACMI has scaled up workforce programs for the U.S. Department of War (DoW), formerly Department of Defense. IACMI is supported by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program within the Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) office. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, IACMI is managed by the Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established by The University of Tennessee Research Foundation. www.IACMI.org
Contact: Margaret Slattery
mslattery@iacmi.org
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c1c9a79-4e54-4578-b822-ea7dc0ec8c09
