Contributed by Mr Dai Yamashita, SCTL Chemical, Electronics, Mineral Resources & Energy Divisions

On 5 April 2023, executives from Sumitomo Corporation (SC), Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Kuraray), and PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) took part in the opening ceremony of Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. (KGC), a joint investment project. Mr Yoshiyuki Sakamoto, Senior Executive Officer of SC, expressed that this collaboration aligns with SC’s goal of creating value and sustainability. The partnerships with Kuraray and GC are expected to enhance living standards and contribute to a better world.

KGC, located in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, is a manufacturing plant that produces Super Engineering Plastic Polyamide 9T (PA9T) and Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Co-Polymer (HSBC). Kuraray provides advanced technology for producing these materials, while GC supplies the raw materials and utilities. SC’s global marketing network will facilitate the expansion of the market for these products.

The three companies signed a MOU in September 2015 and established a joint venture company in June 2018 after conducting a feasibility study called the “Harmony Project.” Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction work was completed last year, almost on schedule.

KGC’s manufacturing capacity is 13,000 tons per year for “GENESTAR” and 16,000 tons per year for “SEPTON.” “GENESTAR” is primarily used in electronic and electrical parts, as well as automotive components, and its demand is expected to increase with the rise of electric vehicles. “SEPTON” finds applications in composites, adhesives, sealants, and soft-touch applications such as grips and toys.

The joint venture company is set to commence operations while conducting performance tests and evaluation of commercial samples by major customers, including automotive OEMs. SCTL will support the operation by supplying various raw materials, and SGL Thailand will handle the storage and logistics arrangements.

We will try to strengthen the spirit of harmony among these three parties through collaboration.