Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan; www.kuraray.com), PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC; Bangkok, Thailand; www.pttgcgroup.com) and Sumitomo Corp. (Tokyo; www.sumitomocorp.co.jp) have jointly signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company focused on the progression of a feasibility study for the manufacturing and sales of butadiene derivatives in Thailand. Since September 2016, the companies have been engaged in detailed feasibility studies regarding the production and marketing of High Heat Resistant Polyamide-9T (PA9T) and Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Copolymers (HSBC). Hemaraj Eastern Industrial Estate (Map Ta Phut Complex), Rayong, Thailand, has been identified as a candidate production site. Kuraray will hold 53.3% of the joint company, PTTGC will hold 33.4% and Sumitomo will own 13.3%.