March 22, 2011
Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp.



Capacity expansion for Hipore™ LIB separator
 
Asahi Kasei E-materials will increase production capacity for Hipore™ Li-ion battery (LIB) separator by 50 million m2/year at its plant in Hyuga, Miyazaki, with start-up scheduled in the spring of 2013.

Hipore™, the world's leading LIB separator, is a microporous polyolefin membrane separator placed between the anode and cathode of LIBs, which prevents contact between the electrodes while allowing Li ions to pass through. With increasing demand for hybrid-electric and all-electric vehicles worldwide, the LIB market is forecasted to grow substantially in automotive applications for the coming years, in addition to the mainstream applications for portable electronics including notebook computers and mobile phones.

Asahi Kasei E-materials is currently advancing a program of strategic expansion of its Hipore™ separator business, with production facilities in Moriyama, Shiga, and in Hyuga, Miyazaki. The expansion announced today will entail the addition of a fourth line in Hyuga, which, at 50 million m2/year, will be the world's largest single membrane separator line. Upon completion, this new line will increase total Hipore™ capacity to over 250 million m2/year, serving to further ensure stable supply to meet increasing demand worldwide.
 
Outline of the new Hipore™ capacity expansion
 
Location: Hososhima 4th Industrial Park, Hyuga, Miyazaki, Japan
Capacity: 50 million m2/year (Line No. 4)
Investment: ≈ ¥6 billion
Scheduled start-up: Spring 2013
 
Hipore™ plants currently operating and under construction
 
Moriyama Plant (Shiga): 150 million m2/year
Hyuga Plant (Miyazaki): 20 million m2/year (Line No. 1)
20 million m2/year (Line No. 2 to start up in April 2011)
15 million m2/year (Line No. 3 to start up in June 2011)
 
   
   
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