Kuraray Partners with GC and Sumitomo Corporation to Open a Highly Engineered Plastics Manufacturing Facility

Kuraray Co., Ltd. is cooperating with PTT Global Chemical Public Company
Limited (GC) and Sumitomo Corporation cooperated to open a manufacturing plant under the name of Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. and Kuraray Advanced Chemicals (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The manufacturing plant aims to enhance and develop the competitiveness of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) region. The opening ceremony was held at the WHA East Industrial Zone in Rayong Province, presided over by the Deputy Governor of Rayong Province.

Pirun, Deputy Governor of Rayong Province
Hemarak said he was delighted to have the honor of presiding over the opening ceremony of the Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. and Kuraray GC Chemicals (Thailand) Co., Ltd. project, explaining that the manufacturing plant will support the government’s policy to promote the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor, To adapt to industrial progress, this is an important basis for the country’s own economic development. Rayong already has infrastructure suitable for investment, has built confidence in the industry, and has contributed to the economic progress of Rayong as a whole and Thailand for quite a long time. He said he believed the project, equipped with modern technology and environmentally friendly innovations, would create exciting opportunities for the local community while improving the standard of living while ensuring economic growth for the country.

Hitoshi, Representative Director and President, Kuraray Co., Ltd.
Mr. Kawahara said, “Thanks to the excellent support and cooperation of all parties including government agencies as well as our reliable partners GC Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation, the construction of the Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Manufacturing Facility has been successfully completed and commercial production has commenced. The isoprene business is expected to be one of the pillars of Kuraray GC’s growth, with the aim of strengthening the global supply chain system to cope with growing global demand.”

Kongkrapan, CEO and President, PTT Global Chemicals Public Company Limited (GC)
Dr. Intarajang said that GC, as a leading company in the global chemical industry, is committed to sustainable business practices, balancing environmental, social and economic factors in the process of moving towards a low-carbon business model, so that the business can grow while reducing greenhouse gas emissions . This latest project fits well with the company’s long-term sustainability strategy to expand its high-end petrochemical business to meet growing demand from the automotive, electronics and electrical industries. In addition, the project also supports the government’s policy to promote investment in environmental protection and high-tech industries in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), creating high-value products, jobs and income, to enhance Thailand’s position in the industrial sector. “This manufacturing plant is the result of a collaboration between partners with strong ties, so we believe that KGC will become one of the leaders in the high-value product manufacturing industry with the ability to compete in the global market,” said Dr. Intarajang.

Yoshiyuki, Senior CEO, Sumitomo Corporation
Mr. Sakamoto said the cooperation of the three companies is in line with Sumitomo Corporation’s business policy of value creation and sustainable development. Strengthening the partnership with Kuraray Co., Ltd. and GC will surely play a key role in improving living standards and making the world a better place. Sumitomo Corporation will work hard to ensure the success of this project.

Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. is a joint venture of three companies with cutting-edge technology and expertise: Kuraray Co., Ltd., GC and Sumitomo Corporation.
Kuraray Co., Ltd. has advanced technology for the production of “GENESTAR” brand super engineering plastic polyamide 9T (PA9T) and “SEPTON” brand hydrogenated styrene block copolymer (HSBC), while GC provides raw materials and utilities for the project, Sumitomo Shangshi has a global marketing network, which can expand the market on a global scale.

Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. is located in WHA Eastern Industrial Zone, Muang District, Rayong Province, Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The fab has a capacity of 13,000 t/y for PA9T and 16,000 t/y for HSBC. Commercial operations have commenced in February 2023, and the manufacturing plant has been responsible for creating jobs and income for the people of Rayong Province, with more than 60% of the workforce coming from the local community.