01.01.05
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Sales: $127 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Toshimi Hachimori, general manager, functional fabricated products division
Plants
Yokkaichi and Iwakuni
Processes
Spunbonded, needlepunched, meltblown, thermal bonded
Brand Names
Tafnel, Syntex
Major markets
Coverstock, geotextiles, oil absorbing materials, air filters, wipes, agriculture materials, household materials
Mitsui Chemicals’ total production capacity is 48,000 tons per year. This includes 25,000 tons of polypropylene-based spunbonded materials and 9000 tons of SMS nonwovens, all made in Japan, and 14,000 tons of SMMS material made in Thailand through the company’s MHM division. MHM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui Chemicals, has been producing SMMS in Thailand since 2003 to meet increasing demands for diaper material. As part of a recent ¥5 billion investment, Mitsui will add 20,000 tons per year of capacity to its MHM venture, with start-up expected in the beginning of 2007.
Meanwhile, at its 7500-ton-per-year Japanese plant, Mitsui Chemicals produces breathable films used for diaper backsheets. The laminated backsheets are comprised of breathable films and nonwovens and Mitsui is reportedly the only manufacturer in Japan producing both films and nonwovens for such products.
Films will also be produced at Mitsui’s MHM plant. The company plans to build two lines, each of which will have a capacity of 3000 tons annually. Upon completion of these films lines—slated for January 2006—Mitsui will have the capability to produce breathable films and nonwovens for backsheets in Thailand as well as Japan.
By 2007, the company expects to produce 34,000 tons per year of nonwovens at its MHM subsidiary in addition to 6000 tons per year of breathable films. According to Mitsui, it will not only benefit from its position as a key supplier in the Thai market but also become the largest producer of diaper materials in Southeast Asia.
Sales: $127 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Toshimi Hachimori, general manager, functional fabricated products division
Plants
Yokkaichi and Iwakuni
Processes
Spunbonded, needlepunched, meltblown, thermal bonded
Brand Names
Tafnel, Syntex
Major markets
Coverstock, geotextiles, oil absorbing materials, air filters, wipes, agriculture materials, household materials
Mitsui Chemicals’ total production capacity is 48,000 tons per year. This includes 25,000 tons of polypropylene-based spunbonded materials and 9000 tons of SMS nonwovens, all made in Japan, and 14,000 tons of SMMS material made in Thailand through the company’s MHM division. MHM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui Chemicals, has been producing SMMS in Thailand since 2003 to meet increasing demands for diaper material. As part of a recent ¥5 billion investment, Mitsui will add 20,000 tons per year of capacity to its MHM venture, with start-up expected in the beginning of 2007.
Meanwhile, at its 7500-ton-per-year Japanese plant, Mitsui Chemicals produces breathable films used for diaper backsheets. The laminated backsheets are comprised of breathable films and nonwovens and Mitsui is reportedly the only manufacturer in Japan producing both films and nonwovens for such products.
Films will also be produced at Mitsui’s MHM plant. The company plans to build two lines, each of which will have a capacity of 3000 tons annually. Upon completion of these films lines—slated for January 2006—Mitsui will have the capability to produce breathable films and nonwovens for backsheets in Thailand as well as Japan.
By 2007, the company expects to produce 34,000 tons per year of nonwovens at its MHM subsidiary in addition to 6000 tons per year of breathable films. According to Mitsui, it will not only benefit from its position as a key supplier in the Thai market but also become the largest producer of diaper materials in Southeast Asia.