Abstract: A composite reinforcement for use in pultrusion and other thermosetting manufacturing processes to produce products with smooth surfaces free of wrinkles and laps, methods of producing such a composite reinforcement and thermosetting polymer system products reinforced with the composite. Two or more layers of reinforcement material are bonded with powdered polyethylene or another appropriate polyolefin or polyethylene copolymer adhesive utilizing heat to produce a multi-ply composite reinforcement. This composite reinforcement can then be appropriately sheared, die cut or otherwise processed, if desirable, and thereafter used in pultrusion, cylinder winding, compression molding, open mold processing and other thermosetting manufacturing techniques with thermosetting resins in the final production process.