01.01.10
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $104 million
Description: Key Personnel
Takashi Nakajima, president
Plants
Okayama, Saijo and Ibragi, Japan
Processes
Resin bonded, thermal bonded, spunlaced, meltblown, steam jet
Brand Names
Kuraflex, Microflex, Flextar
Major Markets
Cover stock, wipes, medical, household materials
Kuraray is comprised of three companies—Kuraray Kuraflex, Kuraray Saijio and Kuraflex Ibragi. Kuraray Kuraflex produces thermal bonded, spunlaced and resin bonded with an annual capacity of 10,400 tons. This company has also operated an industrial steam jet nonwovens line, sold under the Flextar brand, with an annual capacity of 1000 tons since October 2006. Kuraray Saijio makes 1800 tons of meltblown nonwovens while Kuraflex Ibaragi makes 3500 tons of spunlaced nonwovens.
Kuraray’s sales in total increased in 2009 thanks to increased production of face masks caused by the swine flu outbreak but demand has dropped off considerably this year. Now Kuraray is focusing on the development of new types of nonwovens like its steam jet nonwovens which are finding a number of new applications. Additionally, Kuraray has developed a new steam jet technology using the spunlace method which is making windshield wipers. This nonwoven has high lint-free characteristics thanks to a rigid combination of fiber.
Kuraray is also working on a technique to develop nonwovens using meltblown technology for a new generation of face masks.
Geographically, Kuraray has expanded its role in China with the exportation of windshield wipers and medical dressing and these exports now represent about 6%. Other areas of interest include the food service industry which is growing in China.
Sales: $104 million
Description: Key Personnel
Takashi Nakajima, president
Plants
Okayama, Saijo and Ibragi, Japan
Processes
Resin bonded, thermal bonded, spunlaced, meltblown, steam jet
Brand Names
Kuraflex, Microflex, Flextar
Major Markets
Cover stock, wipes, medical, household materials
Kuraray is comprised of three companies—Kuraray Kuraflex, Kuraray Saijio and Kuraflex Ibragi. Kuraray Kuraflex produces thermal bonded, spunlaced and resin bonded with an annual capacity of 10,400 tons. This company has also operated an industrial steam jet nonwovens line, sold under the Flextar brand, with an annual capacity of 1000 tons since October 2006. Kuraray Saijio makes 1800 tons of meltblown nonwovens while Kuraflex Ibaragi makes 3500 tons of spunlaced nonwovens.
Kuraray’s sales in total increased in 2009 thanks to increased production of face masks caused by the swine flu outbreak but demand has dropped off considerably this year. Now Kuraray is focusing on the development of new types of nonwovens like its steam jet nonwovens which are finding a number of new applications. Additionally, Kuraray has developed a new steam jet technology using the spunlace method which is making windshield wipers. This nonwoven has high lint-free characteristics thanks to a rigid combination of fiber.
Kuraray is also working on a technique to develop nonwovens using meltblown technology for a new generation of face masks.
Geographically, Kuraray has expanded its role in China with the exportation of windshield wipers and medical dressing and these exports now represent about 6%. Other areas of interest include the food service industry which is growing in China.