Kaneka boosts production capacity of modified silicone polymer in Europe

Kaneka Corporation (Osaka, Japan; President: Mamoru Kadokura) has made a strategic decision to expand its modified silicone polymer plant (product name: Kaneka MS Polymer®*) at Kaneka Belgium N.V. (Westerlo-Oevel, Belgium; President: Katsutoshi Shichijo) in response to burgeoning demand and as part of its ongoing business expansion. The investment of approximately JPY 4 billion will increase current annual production capacity by 10,000 tons when the plant comes on line at the end of 2018, bringing total annual capacity to 30,000 tons.

The European market for sealing materials and elastic adhesives is anticipated to grow by 20% in 2020 from 2015 levels. Within this context, adhesives and sealing materials that contain Kaneka MS Polymer® possess outstanding workability even at low temperature environments and good weather resistance in solvent-free so sales of this product are expected to grow significantly in response to more stringent environmental regulations. Kaneka is now planning to expand its presence in Europe by promoting high performance polymer products with faster, higher strength properties.

In 2017, the Company will commence production of Kaneka MS Polymer® at Kaneka MS Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Pahang, Malaysia; Managing Director: Fukuo Tsubouchi) to establish a global production network spanning Japan, Europe, the U.S., and Asia. The current expansion in Europe will serve to strengthen Kaneka’s global supply chain and secure the Company’s position as a leading manufacturer within the industry.

*Kaneka MS Polymer®: The world’s first commercial modified silicone polymer developed by Kaneka is used as a substrate in sealing materials and elastic adhesives.

Kaneka Belgium N.V. At A Glance

Representative	：President Katsutoshi Shichijo
Capital	：EUR 23.5 million
Head Office	：Westerlo-Oevel, Belgium
Established	：1970
Business	：Manufacture & marketing of functional plastics and foam plastics

Kaneka MS Malaysia Sdn. Bhd At A Glance

Representative	：Fukuo Tsubouchi
Capital	：MYR 68 million
Head Office	：Pahang, Malaysia
Established	：2016
Business	：Manufacture & marketing of functional plastics