TOKYO--()--Kuraray Co., Ltd (hereafter "Kuraray")(TOKYO:3405)(ISIN:JP3269600007) has executed production capacity expansion of PVB (polyvinyl butyral) resin (Brand Name; MOWITAL) by constructing one new line at its European subsidiary, Kuraray Europe GmbH (hereafter "KEG"). KEG has finished trial operation, and just started commercial production. The total annual capacity of PVB resin at KEG has been increased by this latest expansion to 39,000 tons.
PVB resin is made from PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) resin which was industrialized for the first time in the world in 1950. PVB resin is a raw material for the production of "PVB Film (Brand Name; TROSIFOL)" which is used as interlayer for architectural glazing and laminated safety glass for automotive, respectively. Furthermore, the demand of TROSIFOL as encapsulant of solar cell modules is increasing. Among other applications PVB resin is used as a binder in paint, printing ink, and ceramics.
The Kuraray Group will further enhance its vinyl acetate and Poval-related businesses on a global basis, while reinforcing the consistent production flow from PVA resin to PVB resin and film.
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The profile of the PVB resin new production line |
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Annual Capacity |
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Existing Capacity 29,000 tons (Investment amount :26 Million Euro) | |
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New Capacity 10,000 tons |
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| Total Capacity 39,000tons | |||
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Location |
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Frankfurt am Main, Germany | |
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The overview of KEG |
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Name :Kuraray Europe GmbH |
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| Capital :31Million Euro(100% invested by Kuraray) | ||
| Geschaeftsfuehrer (President):Dr. Matthias Gutweiler | ||
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Headquarter :Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
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Activities: |
Importing and sales of Kuraray products in Europe, Manufacture and sales of PVA resin(MOWIOL ), Butyral resin (MOWITAL) and PVB film (TROSIFOL) |
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| Number of employees:Approx. 500 | ||
About Kuraray
Kuraray was established in 1926. In 1950, the company achieved a corporate milestone as the first in the world to bring polyvinyl alcohol synthetic fiber to market. In subsequent years, Kuraray used its proprietary technology in the area of polymer chemistry and synthetic chemistry to develop chemicals and resins, fibers and textiles, high-performance materials, medical products and others. Kuraray has overseas subsidiaries in 16 countries and regions outside Japan, as a global specialty chemical company. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.kuraray.co.jp/en/.

