The expansion aims to boost Tosoh's annual production capacity by 22,000 metric tons to meet increasing global demand.
Japanese chemical giant Tosoh Corporation has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly increase its global production capacity of Skyprene chloroprene rubber (CR) with the construction of a second facility at its Nanyo Complex in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. This substantial investment, estimated at approximately ¥75 billion (£460 million), is a strategic move to address the escalating worldwide demand for this versatile specialty polymer and solidify Tosoh's position in the high-performance materials market.
The new plant, slated to commence construction in spring 2027 and expected to be fully operational by 2030, will add an impressive 22,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of production capacity. This expansion will considerably boost Tosoh's overall CR output, allowing the company to better meet the growing needs of various industries reliant on this critical material.
Chloroprene rubber is a high-performance functional polymer renowned for its exceptional properties, including excellent resistance to oil, weather conditions, and flame exposure. These characteristics make it an indispensable component in a wide array of demanding applications. It finds extensive use in the automotive sector for hoses and belts, in various industrial components, and is a key ingredient in the formulation of high-performance adhesives. Furthermore, its application extends to the medical field, particularly in the production of specialized medical gloves, reflecting its well-balanced properties as a specialty synthetic rubber product.
Tosoh's decision to invest heavily in this expansion is a direct response to the anticipated surge in global demand for high-performance polymers. This growth is being driven by several factors, including the increasing rate of automotive production worldwide and the implementation of stricter safety regulations across numerous industrial sectors. The heightened global awareness and demand for protective equipment, particularly in the medical field, have also contributed significantly to the increased need for materials like CR.
The expansion aligns perfectly with Tosoh's "Chemical Chain Business" strategy, which emphasizes the production of value-added specialty chemicals over traditional commodity products. By focusing on high-margin, high-performance materials like Skyprene CR, Tosoh aims to enhance its profitability and strengthen its market standing.
The selection of the existing Nanyo Complex for the new facility leverages the site's established infrastructure and logistics capabilities, offering a more efficient and cost-effective approach compared to developing a greenfield facility. Industry analysts note that the three-year construction timeline for the project underscores the technical complexity inherent in chloroprene rubber production, which necessitates specialized equipment and adherence to stringent safety protocols throughout the chemical processes involved.
