October 29, 2002 Asahi Kasei
Corporation
Withdrawal of Acrylic Fiber
Operations
Asahi Kasei Corporation today
announced that it will withdraw from the field of acrylic fibers,
with operations comprising the product families of CashmilonTM acrylic staple, PewlonTM acrylic filament, and LastanTM acrylic-based flame-resistant fiber.
Despite persistent devotion of the utmost effort to a strategic
revitalization of acrylic fiber operations, a final determination
was reached that withdrawal would be an unavoidable facet of the
endeavor to achieve structural reformation of the fibers and
textiles operating sector in accordance with the newly announced
Ishin-05 Corporate Midrange Strategic Initiative to accelerate
selectivity and focus in the business portfolio and to advance
the expansion of high-earnings businesses. The earnings power of
the fibers and textiles sector will be heightened through a
focused expansion of spandex, nonwovens, and other operations
which command competitive superiority.
Operating climate and background
The principal segment of Asahi Kasei
acrylic fiber operations is CashmilonTM which has confronted intensively
challenging conditions with steadily declining domestic Japanese
demand for acrylic staple and recurring swings in raw material
costs and exchange rates, hampering its ability to obtain
consistent profitability. A range of measures have been
implemented to enhance the operational structure to the greatest
possible degree. These include increasing focus on high-value
specialty products, elimination of excess production capacity,
and streamlining of sales functions. While improvements have been
manifest, a level of performance which would warrant new
investment remained elusive. It was thus determined that
withdrawal could not be avoided.
Feedstock handling, spinning
solution, and solvent recovery systems and equipment for PewlonTM and LastanTM are in large part shared with those for
CashmilonTM. To continue PewlonTM and LastanTM operations after a cessation of CashmilonTM production would require substantial
additional investment for plant modification. As this was deemed
impractical, PewlonTM and LastanTM operations will be withdrawn in
conjunction with CashmilonTM.
Schedule and course of transition
Conclusion of production is
scheduled for the end of March 2003, with sales scheduled to be
completed by the end of June 2003. To enable this schedule to be
implemented as smoothly as possible, Asahi Kasei will work in
close coordination with its customers who have bestowed their
valuable patronage over the decades to help them secure a
transition to alternative materials with a minimum of
complication. Plans are being formulated for the reassignment of
Asahi Kasei personnel involved in acrylic fiber operations.
Profile of Asahi Kasei acrylic fiber operations
Asahi Kasei was Japan's first
acrylic fiber manufacturer, with commercial production of
CashmilonTM staple based on proprietary technology
beginning in 1959 at its Fuji Plant. Widely used in sweaters and
blankets, acrylic staple is characterized by its soft, wool-like
feel. From early on, CashmilonTM found strong demand in overseas markets.
In 1962 Asahi Kasei constructed an acrylonitrile plant at its
petrochemicals complex in Kawasaki, establishing an integrated
production infrastructure from feedstocks to fibers. PewlonTM filament was commercialized in 1967, and
LastanTM flame-resistant fiber was commercialized
in 1986, with acrylic fibers forming a core segment of Asahi
Kasei's fibers and textiles operating sector.
Total fiscal 2001 sales: Yen 15.0
billion (non-consolidated)
For CashmilonTM: Yen 12.0 billion
For PewlonTM: Yen 2.2 billion
For LastanTM: Yen 0.8 billion
Plant location: Fuji City, Shizuoka
Prefecture
Personnel: 189
Fiscal 2001 production:
69,000 tons CashmilonTM
1,900 tons PewlonTM
230 tons LastanTM
Kanebo to pull out of acrylic
fiber-business
Kanebo Ltd. said Friday it will pull
out of its loss-making acrylic fiber business by the end of March
2004 due to dim prospects for a recovery of profitability in the
business.
The diversified textiles company
said its wholly owned subsidiary, Kanebo Gohsen Ltd., will stop
production by the end of December and sales by the end of March
2004.
May 2, 2003 Mitsubishi Rayon Co.,
Ltd.
Mitsubishi Rayon Acquires Acrylic
Filament Technology from Asahi Kasei Corp.
Groundwork Laid for Further Expansion of Acrylic Fiber
Operations.
Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. in April
2003 acquired the proprietary technology relating to acrylic
filaments belonging to Asahi Kasei Corp., in addition to a
portion of Asahi Kasei's production facilities for the said
filaments. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached to acquire
Asahi Kasei's related trademark rights (for PEWLON, TACTUS, and
REECAS) with effect from July 2003.
Acrylic fiber is renowned for the ease with which it can be dyed
in brilliant colors, as well as for its light weight and
softness. Thanks to its wool-like feel, acrylic staple is
extensively used for sweaters, blankets, stuffed toys and other
clothing, bedding and interior goods applications. Acrylic
filaments, meanwhile, combine brilliant, shiny coloring with a
unique silkiness and coolness in hot weather: these properties
make it ideal for ladies’ sweaters
for spring and summer wear.
Mitsubishi Rayon is a comprehensive manufacturer of acrylic
products, the largest in Japan, with a wide product lineup
ranging from wet- and dry-spun staple through filament to
synthetic leather. It is currently constructing a production
plant at Ningbo in China's Zhejiang Province, scheduled to start
operation in July 2005 to take advantage of the rapidly expanding
Chinese market. This is only one of many steps the management are
taking to reinforce Mitsubishi Rayon's position as the
overwhelmingly dominant company in its industry in Asia.
As part of a reorganization of its fiber operations, Asahi Kasei withdrew from
the business of manufacturing acrylic filaments as of the end of
March 2003, leaving Mitsubishi Rayon as the world's sole
producer. In these
circumstances, the transfer by Asahi Kasei to Mitsubishi Rayon of
its advanced technology for the production of acrylic filaments
allows the latter to effectively promote the virtues of acrylic
filament textiles for a wider range of applications.
The acquisition of the know-how in question from Asahi Kasei will
enable Mitsubishi Rayon to more firmly reinforce the technology
that underpins its acrylic filament Silpalon, and prepares the
way for a full-scale expansion of the Company's acrylic filament
business, including the development of high-quality,
high-performance products with a view to the eventual
construction of additional production facilities.
December 9, 2002 Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
Acrylic Fiber Joint Venture Planned in China
Mitsubishi Rayon
Co., Ltd. plans to set up an acrylic fiber manufacturing and
sales company in the city of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.
The new subsidiary, establishment of which has been approved by
the Chinese authorities, will be established in February 2003
with a total investment of approximately $100 million. The
Company's partners in this joint venture are to be the Ningbo
United Investment Holding Corp., Ltd., and the three Japanese
trading companies Mitsubishi Corp., Itochu Corp., and Marubeni
Corp.
Acrylic fibers are popular for their pleasant feel, easy
colorability, and durability. They are extensively used in
clothing such as sweaters, underwear, and socks, as well as other
textile products like stuffed toys, blankets, carpets and other
interior goods. Acrylic fiber consumption in China
amounted to around 960,000 tons in 2002. Total demand should reach
1,050,000 tons or thereabouts by 2005, partly due to rising
demand for reprocessing for export following China's membership
of the WTO, among other favorable factors.
In addition to filaments, as well as wet-spun and dry-spun
staple, Mitsubishi Rayon's acrylic fiber operations also
encompass artificial suede products.
Mitsubishi Rayon is the world's only manufacturer to offer such a
wide range of acrylic fiber products. With an annual production
capacity of 136,000 tons of raw acrylic fiber at the Otake
Production Center, the Company is Japan's largest producer of
acrylic fiber products.
Our many years’experience in the
manufacture of acrylic fibers, combined with precise,
cutting-edge technology and strong cost-competitiveness, have
produced a lineup of high-quality, value-added products that have
won us an excellent reputation both in Japan and overseas.
The new joint venture in China is part of the Company's strategy
aimed at becoming the world's top maker in both acrylic staple
and acrylic filaments by trengthening its operational base and
improving profitability.
The new company will start commercial operation in July 2005,
with annual sales envisaged at approximately \8 ―9 billion three years later.
Outline of
Company:
Name (tentative): Ningbo Rayon Acrylic Fibers Co., Ltd.
President: To be decided
Address: Qingzhi Park, Ningbo Economic & Technical
Development Zone, Beilun Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Paid-in capital: US$50 million
Investment stakes (subject to change):
Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
55%
Mitsubishi Corp. 10%
Itochu Corp. 10%
Marubeni Corp. 10%
Ningbo United Investment
Holding Corp., Ltd. 15%
Business line: Manufacture and sale of acrylic fibers
Production capacity: 50,000 tons per annum
December 10,2001 Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Rayon receives approval to the project for manufacturing acrylic fibers in China
In November, the State Development Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China approved of an application submitted in August, 2000 by Mitsubishi Rayon, Co., Ltd., three Japanese trading companies and a Chinese investment company for the manufacture of acrylic fibers in China. This is the first case that the Chinese government gives an approval to a joint venture with foreign companies for manufacturing acrylic fibers in the country.
With this approval, Mitsubishi Rayon and its partners take their project a stage further promptly.
Demand for acrylic fibers in China is expected to top 900,000 tons in this year, 500,000 tons of which are expected to be produced domestically. With China's recent entry into the World Trade Organization, the demand for imported acrylic fibers is expected to greatly increase.
Application details:
1. Scheduled site:
Ningbo Economic and Technical Development Zone, Zhejiang Province, PRC
2. Total Investment:
approx. US$100 million
3. Production Scale:
50,000 tons/year
4. Capital:
US$50 million
5. Scheduled Investors:
Japan-Mitsubishi Rayon, Co., Ltd. 55%
Mitsubishi Corporation 10%
Marubeni Corporation 10%
Itochu Corporation 10%
China-Ningbo United Investment Holding Corp., Ltd. 15%
2004年8月24日 旭化成せんい
インドネシアの繊維子会社の清算について
http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/jp/news/2004/fi040824.html
旭化成せんい株式会社（本社：大阪市、代表取締役社長：坂本正樹）は、このたびインドネシアにおける繊維子会社であるインドネシア旭化成を清算することといたしましたので、お知らせします。
当社は、１９７２年に同社を設立し、３０年間にわたり繊維事業（アクリル紡績糸およびナイロン糸の製造販売）を行ってきましたが、ここ数年の事業環境の急激な悪化の中で同社を清算せざるを得ないと判断いたしました。
2004/8/25 日本経済新聞
旭化成グループはアクリル繊維事業から完全撤退する。旭化成せんいは２４日、国内外で最後に
残っていた生産拠点であるインドネシアの紡績子会社を12月に清算すると発表した。（後略）
1.
インドネシア旭化成清算の背景
１９９７年の通貨危機以降のインドネシアでは、エネルギーコストの継続的高騰、賃金の大幅上昇による労務コストの高騰等がもたらされることとなりました。また、これとあいまって、競争力をつけた中国との競争が激化する中で、同社の主要顧客であったセーターニッターをはじめとするインドネシア国内顧客の疲弊が急速に進みました。
こうした事業環境の大幅悪化によりインドネシア旭化成の収益性は大幅に悪化しました。これに対処するため、希望退職募集による人員削減、石炭ボイラー導入による蒸気コストの圧縮、エネルギー効率化投資ほかコスト削減等の収益改善策を実行いたしましたが、事業環境の更なる悪化がその効果を打ち消したことから、収益改善のめどが立たず、やむなく同社の清算を決意いたしました。
2. インドネシア旭化成清算手続きの予定日程
(1) 予定日程 ： 生産・営業の終了
２００４年（平成１６年）１１月（予定）
会社清算の開始
２００４年（平成１６年）１２月（予定）
(2)
インドネシア旭化成採用の従業員につきましては本年１１月末を目処に全員解雇する予定です。
＜ご参考：インドネシア旭化成の概要＞
(1) 会社名 ： P.T. INDONESIA ASAHI KASEI (インドネシア旭化成)
(2) 設立等 ：
１９７２年７月設立 １９７４年６月操業
(3) 所在地 ：
本社：インドネシア共和国ジャカルタ特別州
工場：西ジャワ州プルワカルタ県ジャティルフール
(4) 資本金 ： １８．６百万US$
(5) 大株主 ：
旭化成せんい株式会社（８３．７％）
(6) 代表者 ： 溝口 隆久
(7) 業 種 ：
アクリル紡績糸およびナイロン糸の製造販売
(8) 従業員数 ：
１，１６８名（２００４年６月末現在）
(9) 売上高推移 ：
２００１年３月期 ： ３，８８９億ルピア ２００２年３月期 ３，７６７億ルピア ２００２年１２月期（９ヶ月） ２，４０１億ルピア ２００３年１２月期 ３，０８５億ルピア ２００４年中間期（６ヶ月） １，５９０億ルピア