Tosoh to Invest ¥20 Billion in Substantial Ethyleneamine Capacity Increase
Tokyo, Japan—Tosoh Corporation will invest ¥20 billion in substantially increasing its ethyleneamine capacity 36,000 MT annually. The expansion of the company’s ethyleneamine operations, based at the Nanyo Complex in Yamaguchi, Japan, will boost Tosoh’s total ethyleneamine capacity to 89,000 MT a year and make it one of the world’s top ethyleneamine manufacturers. Tosoh’s annual sales of ethyleneamines are projected to exceed ¥30 billion following the expansion.
The ethyleneamine operations at the Nanyo Complex are running at full capacity and are sold out. As Asia’s sole manufacturer of ethyleneamines, Tosoh is moving, through this increase in ethyleneamine production capacity, to supply annual demand growth, projected at 2%–3% worldwide and at over 5% in Asia. First-phase construction at the Nanyo Complex begins in March 2008 and is slated for completion in March 2010 and will provide new manufacturing lines for a yearly capacity increase of 26,000 MT. The second phase of construction will supply the additional 10,000 MT a year and will be completed in March 2012. Outside Asia, Tosoh conducts ethyleneamine operations through Delamine B.V., a 50-50 joint venture the company established with Akzo Nobel NV, of the Netherlands.
Ethyleneamines and their derivatives find use in a wide variety of applications, such as epoxy hardeners, wet-strength resins for paper, chelates, and pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates. Tosoh leverages the efficiencies of its vinyl isocyanate chain to produce the key raw materials for its EDC-process ethyleneamines, including ethylene dichloride (EDC) and caustic soda. A cost-competitive position is forged through the combination of raw materials produced in-house, the EDC method, and the latest manufacturing technology. This technology allows Tosoh to optimize the manufacturing process to generate an even greater ratio of higher molecular weight amines.
In December 2007, Tosoh announced its intent to construct new facilities for the production of high-silica zeolites and zirconia powder at its Yokkaichi Complex in Mie, Japan. That announcement combines with this most recent announcement regarding the company’s plan to increase its production of ethyleneamines to show that Tosoh is strengthening its position in specialty materials to stabilize supply for growing markets.
Tosoh Corporation
WHO WE ARE
Tosoh Corporation is a Japanese chemical company established in 1935 and listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It is the parent of the Tosoh Group, which comprises 141 companies worldwide and a multiethnic workforce of over 10,000 people and generates sales of ¥781 billion (US$6.8 billion) annually.
WHAT WE DO
Tosoh is one of the largest chlor-alkali manufacturers in Asia. The company supplies the plastic resins and an array of the basic chemicals that support modern life. Tosoh’s petrochemical operations supply ethylene, polymers, and polyethylene, while its electronic materials business serves the global semiconductor and flat-panel display industries. Tosoh has also pioneered sophisticated bioscience systems that are used for the rapid diagnosis of life-threatening diseases, such as diabetes and certain cancers, and to prevent epidemics by identifying pathogenic microbes. In addition, Tosoh develops products and provides services to purify water and to monitor the environment as part of a commitment to a sustainable future.
Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol: 4042
For more information, please contact
Michael Hoover
International Corporate Development
Tosoh Corporation
m_hoover@tosoh.co.jp
Tel: +81-3-5427-5118
Fax: +81-3-5427-5198
www.tosoh.com