Mitsui Chemicals to Start Commercial Production at No.2 APEL Plant

June 30, 2008

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (“MCI”) announces the start of commnercial production at No.2 APEL plant. APEL is an amorphous cycloolefin copolymer with excellent optical characteristics.

Overview of New Plant

1. ProductAmorphous cycloolefin copolymer
2. Trade NameAPEL
3. SiteMCI Osaka Works (Takaishi City, Osaka Prefecture)
4. Production Capacity3,000 t/y
5. TechnologyMCI’s independently-developed technology
6. Total InvestmentApprox. ¥ 6 billion
7. ScheduleStart of construction: January 2007
Completion: January 2008
Start of commercial production: May 1, 2008
*
Ref. MCI Iwakuni-Ohtake Works has an existing APEL plant with production capacity of 3,400 t/y.

APEL is highly refractive and low birefringent material, mainly applied to information and electronic materials such as pick-up lenses for DVD recorders and lenses for camera phones, where demand has been dramatically growing. And recently, APEL’s application has been expanded into highly marketable high-grade packaging materials, including PTP (Press Through Package: package for tablet pharmaceuticals) and shrink films, thanks to its moisture proof and contractive characteristics, respectively. In the near future, these markets are expected to grow 20% on an annual basis. MCI has established a new plant in response to such growth expectations. We have established a new plant in Osaka Works in addition to Iwakuni-Ohtake Works in accordance with Business Continuity Plan (BCP) with the aim of ensuring a stable supply to customers.

MCI has formulated its new Mid-term Business Plan (the 08MTP), in which the company is aiming to complete a three dimensional strategy consisting of Economy, Environment and Society along with the concept of “The Challenge to Create Innovative Values” through creation of innovative new technologies. Information & Electronics Materials business including APEL is one of the core businesses of the Performance Materials Business Sector which has the mission to establish high-profitability as a growth driver. MCI intends to further expand and accelerate the growth of APEL business through expansion of production capacity.

Reference

1.APEL used for lenses for camera phones as
electronic materials


2. No.2 APEL Plant


Attachment

Mitsui Chemicals to Start Commercial Production at No.2 APEL Plant(PDF:230KB)PDF