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Kuraray net sales down 13% in fibers & textiles division
18 Feb '08
4 min read
In isoprene-related products, demand for SEPTON thermoplastic elastomer was strong, especially in the United States and Europe. The fine chemicals business continued to see harsh conditions due to intensifying international competition for aroma chemicals and agrochemical intermediates. On March 31, 2008, Kuraray decided to suspend production at some aroma chemical businesses due to worsening profitability.
Fibers and Textiles:
Sales in this segment were ¥78.1 billion, down 1.3% year on year, and operating income amounted ¥5.1 billion, down 14.0%. Sales of KURARON remained robust on the back of solid demand for its use as an asbestos substitute in FRC (cement reinforcing agent) applications. In order to respond to further demand expansion, Kuraray decided to increase the annual production capacity for this material by 5,000 tons (increase to commence December 2008).
Sales of CLARINO man-made leather, which is mainly used in shoes, were stagnant. Strong sales were recorded for nonwoven fabrics and hook and loop fasteners for such applications as wiping cloth and industrial materials, respectively. VECTRAN high-strength fibers and textiles enjoyed brisk sales primarily in the United States. The polyester business showed stable growth mainly in its area of strength, including sports material applications.
High-Performance Materials, Medical Products and Others:
In this segment, sales amounted ¥49.6 billion, down 8.5% year on year, and operating income was ¥4.8 billion, down 15.8%.
In the medical business, sales of dental materials continued to be strong, especially in the United States and Europe. In October 2007, Kuraray's dialyzer business was integrated into Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. The heat-resistant polyamide resin GENESTAR enjoyed brisk sales for use in electronics materials. Sales of other businesses, including the engineering business, remained robust.
Fibers and Textiles:
Sales in this segment were ¥78.1 billion, down 1.3% year on year, and operating income amounted ¥5.1 billion, down 14.0%. Sales of KURARON remained robust on the back of solid demand for its use as an asbestos substitute in FRC (cement reinforcing agent) applications. In order to respond to further demand expansion, Kuraray decided to increase the annual production capacity for this material by 5,000 tons (increase to commence December 2008).
Sales of CLARINO man-made leather, which is mainly used in shoes, were stagnant. Strong sales were recorded for nonwoven fabrics and hook and loop fasteners for such applications as wiping cloth and industrial materials, respectively. VECTRAN high-strength fibers and textiles enjoyed brisk sales primarily in the United States. The polyester business showed stable growth mainly in its area of strength, including sports material applications.
High-Performance Materials, Medical Products and Others:
In this segment, sales amounted ¥49.6 billion, down 8.5% year on year, and operating income was ¥4.8 billion, down 15.8%.
In the medical business, sales of dental materials continued to be strong, especially in the United States and Europe. In October 2007, Kuraray's dialyzer business was integrated into Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. The heat-resistant polyamide resin GENESTAR enjoyed brisk sales for use in electronics materials. Sales of other businesses, including the engineering business, remained robust.
KURARAY CO. LTD
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