Consumables

Kuraray to Expand PVA Resin Production Facility in Europe

Monday 17. January 2011 - Increasing annual production capacity by 24,000 tons to 94,000 tons

Kuraray Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:3405) (ISIN:JP3269600007) today announces the expansion of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) resin production facility at its European subsidiary Kuraray Europe GmbH (Kuraray’s wholly owned subsidiary in Frankfurt, “KEG”). This expansion of PVA resin production facility is intended to meet the growing demands of PVA resin in European markets. Details of the plant expansion are as follows.
Background of the Facility Expansion
In response to growing demand for PVA resin in European markets, Kuraray decided to expand production facilities to secure a stable supply system.
Overview of the Capital Investment
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Production capacity:
Increase in production capacity from expansion: 24,000 tons/year
Current production capacity of existing facilities: 70,000 tons/year *
Production capacity after completion: 94,000 tons/year
Capital investment: Approximately 58 million euros
* The amount of capital investment includes measures for energy optimization project.
Commencement of operations: The first quarter of fiscal 2013 (planned)
Overview of KEG Kuraray Europe GmbH
Company name: Kuraray Europe GmbH
Capital: 31,000,000 euros (100% investment by Kuraray)
President: Dr. Matthias Gutweiler
Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany
Principal businesses: Manufacture and sale of PVA resin, PVB (polyvinyl butyral) resin and film; import and sale of fibers and textiles, chemicals, and dental materials
Employees: Approximately 600