Tosoh Corp. (Tokyo) has announced its plan to increase the production capacity of its Skyprene chloroprene rubber (CR). The plan will see the company add a second CR production facility at its Nanyo Complex in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture to meet growing demand for CR worldwide. The new plant will add 22,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of production capacity. The approximate investment in the plant is around ¥75 billion. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2027, with completion expected in 2030.
Aerial view of the Nanyo Complex (Source: Tosoh)
CR is a high-performance functional polymer that serves as a value-added material within Tosoh’s Chemical Chain Business. It is used in a wide variety of applications, including automotive hoses and belts, various industrial components, adhesives, and medical gloves. The use of this well-balanced specialty synthetic rubber product across so many fields owes itself to excellent oil, weather, and flame resistance.
Tosoh’s plan to increase its CR production capacity not only responds to expected growth in global demand, but also aims to stabilize the supply of CR and improve Tosoh’s profitability through a further expansion of the scale of its operations.