01.01.09
Location: OSAKA, JAPAN
Sales: $97 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, nonwoven fabrics sales
Plants
Okasaki and Tarui
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Unitika’s annual nonwovens capacity is 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally, Tusco, a joint venture of Unitika and Teijiin, makes 5000 tons of PET spunbonded nonwovens per year.
Production of PET spunbonded nonwovens decreased in the latter half of 2008 as the markets it serves softened and this has negatively impacted sales and earnings. Meanwhile, in Unitika’s spunlace operation, hygiene and cosmetic applications remained level as the usage of windshield wipes for automotives markets decreased. At Tusco, sales decreased but profits increased.
Tusco became a subsidiary of Unitika in April 2008. The main uses of nonwovens made by Tusco include the base cloth of tufted carpets used in tile carpets or mobile floor mats. With existing output, growth would be difficult so an expansion strategy will be necessary in the future.
Spunbonded nonwovens made with composite fibers in a core-sheath formation are being made under the brand name Eleves and demand is growing for these products. The core is made of polyester and the sheath is made of PE. Current 6000 tons of this material is made in Japan but this is expected to expand as Tusco equipment is enhanced to be able to make Eleves.
Current efforts from Unitika currently center around the development of new products to make up for decreases in other areas. This is difficult but it is necessary, according to the company.
Sales: $97 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, nonwoven fabrics sales
Plants
Okasaki and Tarui
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Unitika’s annual nonwovens capacity is 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally, Tusco, a joint venture of Unitika and Teijiin, makes 5000 tons of PET spunbonded nonwovens per year.
Production of PET spunbonded nonwovens decreased in the latter half of 2008 as the markets it serves softened and this has negatively impacted sales and earnings. Meanwhile, in Unitika’s spunlace operation, hygiene and cosmetic applications remained level as the usage of windshield wipes for automotives markets decreased. At Tusco, sales decreased but profits increased.
Tusco became a subsidiary of Unitika in April 2008. The main uses of nonwovens made by Tusco include the base cloth of tufted carpets used in tile carpets or mobile floor mats. With existing output, growth would be difficult so an expansion strategy will be necessary in the future.
Spunbonded nonwovens made with composite fibers in a core-sheath formation are being made under the brand name Eleves and demand is growing for these products. The core is made of polyester and the sheath is made of PE. Current 6000 tons of this material is made in Japan but this is expected to expand as Tusco equipment is enhanced to be able to make Eleves.
Current efforts from Unitika currently center around the development of new products to make up for decreases in other areas. This is difficult but it is necessary, according to the company.