Kuraray, GC and Sumitomo Corp. to open plastic manufacturing plant in Thailand

The isoprene business is expected to be one of the pillars of Kuraray GC's growth

Kuraray is partnering with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) and Sumitomo Corporation to open a manufacturing plant under the name of Kuraray GC Advanced Materials, and Kuraray Advanced Chemicals (Thailand).

This manufacturing plant is designed to upgrade and develop competitiveness in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) region, with the opening ceremony, held at WHA Eastern Industrial Estate in Rayong province, presided over by the Deputy Governor of Rayong province.

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Pirun Hemarak, the Deputy Governor of Rayong province, expressed his pleasure at having the honor of chairing the opening ceremony for the Kuraray GC Advanced Materials and Kuraray GC Chemicals (Thailand) project, explaining that this manufacturing plant will support government policy of promoting the Eastern Economic Corridor development to accommodate industrial progress, which is a key foundation for the country's own economic development.

Hitoshi Kawahara, Representative Director and President of Kuraray Co., Ltd., stated that the construction of the Kuraray GC Advanced Materials manufacturing plant has been successfully completed and commercial production has begun due to the excellent support and cooperation of all parties, including government agencies, as well as our reliable partners: GC and Sumitomo. The isoprene business is expected to be one of the pillars of Kuraray GC's growth, the backbone of which is the reinforcement of the global supply chain system in response to increasing demand worldwide.

Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO and President of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), stated that the latest project aligns well with the company's long-term sustainable development strategy, which aims to expand the high-end petrochemical business to meet the growing demand from the automobile, electronics, and electrical industries. "This manufacturing plant is the result of a collaboration between partners with strong bonds, so we are confident that KGC will be one of the leaders in high-value product manufacturing, and be able to compete in the global market," Dr. Intarajang remarked.

Yoshiyuki Sakamoto, Senior Executive Officer of Sumitomo Corporation, stated that the collaboration of these three companies aligns with Sumitomo Corporation's business policy of creating value and sustainability. The strengthening of the partnership with Kuraray and GC is sure to play a key role in improving living standards and making the world a better place. Sumitomo Corporation will strive to ensure the success of this project.