The facility, which has an annual capacity of 20,000 tons, is a key element of the company's global growth strategy.
Kao Corporation, a leading global chemical and consumer products company, officially opened its new tertiary amine production plant in Pasadena, Texas, on August 22, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility, representing a significant investment and a key component of Kao's long-term growth strategy, boasts an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons and is strategically positioned to meet the escalating demand in the U.S. and beyond. The new plant marks a major step in enhancing the company's supply chain efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint.
Tertiary amines are crucial chemical intermediates used extensively in the production of surfactants, which form the basis for a wide range of essential products, including disinfectants, cleaners, and other hygiene solutions. Prior to the opening of the Pasadena plant, Kao had established itself as the world's largest producer of tertiary amines, leveraging its proprietary technology at three existing production sites located in Japan, the Philippines, and Germany. This new U.S. facility now creates a more robust and geographically balanced three-production-site system across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, ensuring a more stable and rapid supply of these vital chemicals to global markets.
The strategic importance of this new plant extends beyond just production capacity. By establishing a local manufacturing base in the U.S., Kao will significantly improve its supply chain logistics, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and, consequently, lowering carbon dioxide emissions. This aligns with the company's broader sustainability goals and its commitment to responsible business practices.
The project is a cornerstone of Kao's Chemical Business and is a key initiative under its Mid-term Plan 2027 (K27). Specifically, the plant supports the "Global Sharp Top" strategy, which focuses on delivering critical solutions in markets facing rapidly evolving social and environmental challenges. According to Kao, the new facility will play a major role in strengthening the Chemical Business's global foundation and ensuring its continued stability.
"Construction work on the Pasadena plant took two and a half years, and I am very happy to see the work successfully completed," said Daisuke Hamada, President of Kao's Chemical Business. "The plant, which combines Kao’s unique technologies with a long-running safety record and quality control know-how, will be the key point of a global supply chain ensuring a more stable supply of tertiary amines not only for the North American market but also for a broad range of industries all over the world."
