The Leona Business Division of the Fibers & Textiles SBU of Asahi Kasei Corporation reported strong business during the first half of the current fiscal year (April-September 2016).
Production on the 3,000-ton/year Leona nylon 66 line that went into operation this June is steadily being filled, and has reached about the same level as ordinary lines.
With an intention of achieving further growths centering on airbag applications, Asahi Kasei will examine plans for undertaking the next rounds of capacity expansions ahead of schedule.
The plans for undertaking capacity expansions ahead of schedule are to be examined because the market is expected to continue growth, such as the expansion of airbag attachment parts. Plans for the 2,000-ton increase at the Leona Plant in Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture, which is scheduled to commence operation in 2019, are to be examined whether it can be undertaken ahead of schedule along with the possibilities of any further expansions. Plans for undertaking the subsequent 10,000-ton increase ahead of schedule will also be examined.
The 10,000-ton increase will require building a new plant. Asahi Kasei will also examine whether to build the plant in Japan or overseas. Southeast Asia is currently a promising location, and it hopes to set the direction within the current fiscal year.