Commencement of new PVB resin production line in Europe

Date: 9 February 2010

~ Total annual capacity has been increased up to 39,000 tons by this 10,000 tons expansion ~Kuraray Co., Ltd (hereafter "Kuraray") has executed production capacity expansion of PVB (poly vinyl butyral) resin (Brand Name; MOWITAL) by constructing one new line at its European subsidiary, Kuraray Europe GmbH (hereafter "KEG").

KEG has finished trial operation, and just started commercial production. The total annual capacity of PVB resin at KEG has been increased by this latest expansion to 39,000 tons.

PVB resin is made from PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) resin which was industrialized for the first time in the world in 1950. PVB resin is a raw material for the production of "PVB Film (Brand Name; TROSIFOL)" which is used as interlayer for architectural glazing and laminated safety glass for automotive, respectively. Furthermore, the demand of TROSIFOL as encapsulant of solar cell modules is increasing. Among other applications PVB resin is used as a binder in paint, printing ink, and ceramics.

The Kuraray Group will further enhance its vinyl acetate and Poval-related businesses on a global basis, while reinforcing the consistent production flow from PVA resin to PVB resin and film.

PVB resins new production line

The profile of the PVB resin new production line

Annual Capacity: Existing Capacity 29,000 tons (Investment amount ：26 Million Euro)

New Capacity 10,000 tons

Total Capacity 39,000tons

Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany The overview of KEG

The overview of KEG

Name: Kuraray Europe GmbH

Capital: 31Million Euro (100% invested by Kuraray)

Geschaeftsfuehrer (President): Dr. Matthias Gutweiler

Headquarter : Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Activities: Importing and sales of Kuraray products in Europe, Manufacture and sales of PVA resin (MOWIOL), Butyral resins (MOWITAL) and PVB film (TROSIFOL)

Number of employees: Approx. 500