Short notice given only substantially as follows: Alkali-resistant (AR) Cem-FIL rovings from OCV Reinforcements - have recently enabled Austria-based pre-fabricated concrete manufacturer Rieder Smart Elements to design and manufacture a game-changing composite material for architectural and construction applications. Wolfgang Rieder developed and introduced a revolutionary material - FibreC - to the company's existing range of products. FibreC is a concrete panel combining the advantages of concrete and Cem-FIL alkali resistant glass fibres, which is as solid, flexible and durable as concrete but is also thinwalled, lightweight and has increased fire resistance. This allows the building or renovation of fagades with the perfect reproduction of complex details and fine texture, as well as the moulding of elaborate shapes such as those for urban furniture. Cem-FIL rovings have a long history as high performance materials that enhance the lifespan of applications in the construction industry and are at the heart of GRC technology. With a 5% addition of AR fibres it's possible to obtain a very light, extremely thin composite material moldable to any shape. AR glass fibres are a unique range of products designed for the reinforcement of concrete and cement and represent a superior alternative to materials traditionally used such as polypropylene and steel fibres. With tensile strength three-to-four times greater than steel and modulus 10 times higher than that of polypropylene, AR glass fibres give better physical and mechanical performance, with flexibility that enables thinner wall sections to be achieved to bring completely new possibilities to the shaping of concrete. AR glass has the same density as cement and therefore it does not float or sink, providing for excellent dispersion in the matrix, and importantly it does not corrode and is fire resistant, as well as resistant to the acids and alkalis present in concrete. In addition, AR glass resists degradation by UV light and temperature variations, fitting it for outdoor applications in all environments. The GRC panel cladding can also be removed easily from building facades and replaced, while the old panels, after grinding, are recyclable, with up to 1 5% regrind utilized for the fabrication of new GRC panels and 100% regrind added to concrete mixes. Other products in the OCV Reinforcements range of AR glass fibres include: Anti-Crak and ArcoteX. Anti-Crak is designed to reinforce concrete and mortar in applications as varied as flooring, plaster and ready mixed concrete (RMC). There are two grades of Anti-Crak chopped strands- HD (high dispersion) for the prevention and control of cracking and HP (high performance) for the reinforcement of concrete structures under load. ArcoteX is resistant to acid attacks and corrosion and compatible with resins. It is principally used for the reinforcement of concrete applications in the gas and liquid chemical industries. Qualified by professional associations throughout the world, Cem-FIL, Anti-Crak and ArcoteX AR glass fibres are available worldwide, and deliver a high performance reinforcement solution for concrete and cement mortar that prevents cracking and extends building life. Available as ravings, chopped strands, meshes and mats, AR glass fibre products contribute to a longer lasting, more efficient use of resources to aid an increasingly sustainability-oriented industry. Following approval by regulatory authorities in Europe and the United States, Owens Corning completed the acquisition of Saint-Gobain's reinforcements and composite fabrics businesses for USD 640 million on November 1, 2007. The acquisition accelerates Owens Coming's global growth strategy and strengthens its position as a market leader in glass reinforcements and composites.