Zeon Corp. (Tokyo) will begin construction of a new production plant for Cyclo-Olefin Polymers (COP) at its business site in Yuka Town, Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The new plant will produce COP in anticipation of growing demand based on its expanding use in medical and semiconductor applications in addition to its optical applications. Full-scale construction will begin in March 2026 toward completion in the first half of fiscal 2028, increasing Zeon’s annual production capacity for COP by about 30% from current levels.
In addition, that company has decided to name this new site the Tokuyama East Plant, and together with its existing Tokuyma Plant, aims to further expand operations in the Shunan area. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site on February 18, 2026, with guests from Yamaguchi Prefecture, Shunan City, and the local community, as well as representatives from the construction contractor and other related companies, along with Zeon officials, including President Tetsuya Toyoshima and Plant Manager Akira Honma. A total of 63 people attended the event to pray for safety on the construction site.
At a press conference, President Toyoshima said: “Meeting the robust demand for COP has been a long-held dream, so it is deeply moving to begin construction in such an optimal location. We intend to further expand our operations in the Shunan area, including this plant, and continue to meet society’s expectations by providing our proprietary materials.”