July 12, 2013
Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp.
Asahi Kasei Chemicals held a grand opening ceremony on July 11, 2013, on Jurong Island, Singapore, for a new plant for solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) which began commercial operation in April 2013.
Demand for tires with better performance such as fuel-efficiency is growing rapidly especially in Asia, with tightening environmental regulations and increasing production of tires in emerging countries in line with greater motorization.
Being an optimal material for improving the balance of tire performance characteristics—including good wet grip and fuel efficiency as well as abrasion resistance and handling stability—the modified S-SBR produced by Asahi Kasei Chemicals using its continuous polymerization process is widely recognized among tire manufacturers around the world.
To meet customer needs and ensure stable supply, we are constructing a second line at the same site, with its start-up scheduled for the first half of 2015. Asahi Kasei Chemicals will continue to expand S-SBR operations as strategic world-leading business, studying construction of other overseas plants following Singapore.
Overview of the Grand Opening Ceremony
| Date: | July 11, 2013 | |
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| Attendance: | Approximately 250 | |
| Notable attendees: | Mr. Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development, Republic of Singapore Mr. Julian Ho, Assistant Managing Director, Economic Development Board, Republic of Singapore Mr. Yoichi Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore Mr. Taketsugu Fujiwara, President, Asahi Kasei Corp. Mr. Yuji Kobayashi, President, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp. |
Outline of the new plant
| Company name: | Asahi Kasei Synthetic Rubber Singapore Pte. Ltd. | |
|---|---|---|
| President: | Shigenori Konno | |
| Location: | Tembusu district, Jurong Island, Singapore | |
| Production: | S-SBR for fuel-efficient and high-performance tires | |
| Capacity: | 1st line – 50,000 tons/year 2nd line – 50,000 tons/year (under construction) |
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| Groundbreaking: | 1st line – June 2011, 2nd line – April 2013 | |
| Start-up: | 1st line – April 2013, 2nd line – the first half of 2015 | |
| Ownership interest: | Asahi Kasei Chemicals 100% |
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