Mitsubishi Chemical will double high-end carbon fiber capacity in Japan and the U.S. between 2025–2027 to meet rising demand.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has announced plans to significantly reinforce its carbon fiber manufacturing capacity in both Japan and the United States, targeting high-end applications that demand superior performance and reliability. This strategic decision reflects the company’s intent to address accelerating global demand for lightweight, high-strength materials used in premium segments such as sports and leisure equipment, aerospace structures, hypercars, and other advanced industrial fields.
In recent years, manufacturers across these sectors have increasingly prioritized materials that combine reduced weight with exceptional mechanical performance. Carbon fiber has emerged as a critical solution due to its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, high elastic modulus, and durability under extreme conditions. As innovation cycles shorten and performance requirements intensify, demand for advanced grades of carbon fiber has continued to expand steadily. Mitsubishi Chemical’s high-end carbon fiber products, known for their consistency and compliance with stringent quality standards, have gained strong recognition among leading global customers who require uncompromising performance.
Responding proactively to these market dynamics, Mitsubishi Chemical has decided to expand production by maximizing the use of its existing manufacturing footprint rather than building entirely new facilities. This approach enables the company to accelerate capacity enhancement while maintaining tight control over quality, costs, and operational efficiency. By leveraging established infrastructure, technical expertise, and skilled workforces, the company aims to scale output in a disciplined and sustainable manner.
The planned capacity reinforcement will take place at two key sites. In Japan, production will be strengthened at the Tokai Plant located in the Aichi area, specifically in Toyohashi-shi. This facility has long served as a core hub for advanced materials manufacturing and is well positioned to support the production of high-performance carbon fiber for demanding applications. In the United States, Mitsubishi Chemical will expand operations at its Sacramento Plant in California, which plays a vital role in serving customers in North America and supporting global supply chains.
According to the company, the enhancement will be implemented in phases over a multi-year period from 2025 through 2027. This phased approach is designed to align incremental capacity increases with market growth, customer demand, and operational readiness. Once fully implemented, the total production capacity for high-end carbon fiber at these sites is expected to reach approximately twice the current level, representing a substantial expansion of Mitsubishi Chemical’s global capabilities in this segment.
Beyond meeting near-term demand, the investment underscores Mitsubishi Chemical’s broader strategic focus on high value-added businesses that can deliver sustainable growth and improved profitability. By strengthening its position in advanced materials, the company aims to capture long-term market expansion driven by trends such as electrification, lightweight mobility, performance sports equipment, and next-generation aerospace platforms.
Looking ahead, Mitsubishi Chemical plans to continue creating value by closely collaborating with customers, supporting innovation, and ensuring stable supply of high-quality carbon fiber products. Through this capacity enhancement initiative in Japan and the United States, the company seeks not only to reinforce its leadership in high-end carbon fiber manufacturing, but also to contribute to the development of industries that rely on cutting-edge materials to achieve higher performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
