Japanese Firm Kuraray Collaborates With GC and Sumitomo Corporation To Develop Thailand's Industrial Capabilities
Kuraray Co., Ltd. will open a production facility under the names Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. and Kuraray Advanced Chemicals (Thailand) Ltd in collaboration with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) and Sumitomo Corporation. The Deputy Governor of Rayong Province officiated the inaugural ceremony, which was place at WHA Eastern Industrial Estate in Rayong province and was intended to improve and promote competitiveness in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) region.
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Pirun Hemarak, the Deputy Governor of the province of Rayong, expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to preside over the opening ceremony for the Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. and Kuraray GC Chemicals (Thailand) Co., Ltd. project. He added that this manufacturing plant will support the government's policy of promoting the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor to accommodate industrial progress, which is a crucial cornerstone for the nation Since it has been fostering economic growth throughout Thailand and Rayong province for quite some time, Rayong province already has the infrastructure to support investment.
He said that he is convinced that this project, which is outfitted with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly technologies, would open up exciting chances for the neighbourhood while simultaneously raising living standards and assuring the nation's economic progress.
The construction of the Kuraray GC Advanced Materials manufacturing plant has been completed, and commercial production has started, according to Mr. Hitoshi Kawahara, Representative Director and President of Kuraray Co., Ltd., thanks to the excellent support and cooperation of all parties, including government agencies as well as our dependable partners: GC and Sumitomo. The isoprene business, whose foundation is the strengthening of the global supply chain system in response to rising demand globally, is anticipated to be one of the pillars of Kuraray GC's growth.
GC's position as a leader in the global chemical industry, according to Dr Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO and President of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), means the company is committed to sustainable business practises, balancing environmental, social, and economic factors on the way to a low carbon business model to support business growth while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The company's long-term sustainable development plan, which intends to increase the high-end petrochemical business to fulfil the rising demand from the automotive, electronic, and electrical industries, is in line with this most recent project.
Additionally, this project supports the government's policy to promote investment in environmentally friendly and high-tech industries in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), creating high value products, employment opportunities, and income to elevate Thailand's standing in the industrial sector. "This manufacturing plant is the result of a collaboration between partners with strong bonds, so we are confident that KGC will be one of the leaders in high-value product manufacturing, and be able to compete in the global market," Dr. Intarajang remarked.
The partnership of these three businesses, according to Mr. Yoshiyuki Sakamoto, Senior Executive Officer of Sumitomo Corporation, is in line with the company's corporate strategy of value creation and sustainability. In order to raise living conditions and make the world a better place, the relationship with Kuraray and GC must be strengthened. The Sumitomo Corporation will work hard to make sure that this project is successful.
Three businesses having access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge have joined forces to form Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd.: Kuraray Co., Ltd., GC, and Sumitomo Corporation. Sumitomo Corporation has a global marketing network to expand the market globally, while Kuraray Co., Ltd. provides the raw materials and public utilities for the project. Kuraray Co., Ltd. owns the advanced technology for producing Super Engineering Plastic Polyamide 9T (PA9T) under the brand 'GENESTAR' and Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Co-Polymer (HSBC) under the brand 'SEPTON'.
The WHA Eastern Industrial Estate, Muang District, Rayong Province, in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), is where Kuraray GC Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. is situated. The manufacturing facility can produce 13,000 tonnes of PA9T year and 16,000 tonnes of HSBC annually. With over 60% of the workers coming from the local community, the manufacturing plant has been instrumental in generating money and job possibilities for the residents of Rayong Province since it began commercial operations in February 2023.