Inoue Lime Industry Co. has agreed to establish a joint venture, "Qingdao Huaqi Inoue New Materials Co. with China's Qingdao Huaqi New Materials Technology Co. on August 18, 2025.

The joint venture brings together Inoue Lime Industry’s 140 years of expertise in technical innovation and quality control for highly active zinc oxide and calcium hydroxide with Qingdao Huaqi’s strong manufacturing base and sales network in China. By combining these strengths, the company will deliver high-value-added products with both quality and price competitiveness to the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets.

Through this partnership, Inoue Lime Industry and Qingdao Huaqi aim to create new value and accelerate growth in the global rubber materials industry.

Wei Xing, General Manager of Qingdao Huaqi New Materials Technology Co., said: "The trust in technology and quality that Inoue Lime Industry has built up over more than a century is a strong foundation for us to win the future together. This joint venture marks an evolution from a trading partner to a partner in co-creating business, and I feel the weight of responsibility of being appointed as its first chairman. We will strictly adhere to Inoue Lime Industry's quality control standards, spare no effort in investing in technological innovation, and aim to achieve a monthly sales target of 400 tons of highly active zinc oxide at the new plant within three years. Let's set sail together into new oceans to make Huaqi Inoue a trusted brand in the field of new rubber materials in China, and indeed around the world."

Inoue, President and Representative Director of Inoue Lime Industry Co. Takashi, added: "It has always been my hope that one day I would work with everyone at Qingdao Huaki. Today, that wish has come true and I am truly delighted that we have reached this day. We are very familiar with the Japanese market, but when it comes to the Chinese market, the deep knowledge and sales network that Qingdao Huaki possesses are indispensable. I am confident that by bringing together and complementing each other's strengths, we will be able to create great synergies. I hope that today's signing ceremony will not only further the development of both companies, but also mark the first step in becoming partners bound by a strong sense of trust that goes beyond business, and I look forward to building a new future together with you all."