Auto Parts Maker Asahi Kasei Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony In Alabama

ATHENS, Ala., May 2, 2016 -- Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc. (APNA) hosted the official opening of their newest plastics compounding facility. The facility's grand opening marks the newest North American investment for Asahi Kasei Corporation. This continues the growth track the company has experienced in recent years, creating approximately 50 new jobs for the region.

"We are happy to have built this facility in Athens," said Yuji Kobayashi, Vice President, Representative Director, and Executive Officer for Material Business Sector at Asahi Kasei Corporation. "We have found Asahi Kasei's core values as a company to be in line with the city of Athens: forward thinking, open mindedness and willingness to embrace diversity."

Asahi Kasei Plastics' second facility in North America will manufacture high performance plastic compounds for OEMs and tier suppliers in automotive, industrial, furniture and trucking markets.  

"We know our success here is possible when our customers succeed," said Hiroshi Yoshida, President of Performance Polymers SBU and Lead Executive Officer at Asahi Kasei Corporation. "We are committed to contributing to our partners' success by being available in various capacities, through our best-in-class applications development team and technical support."

John Moyer, President of Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc. and Lead Executive Officer at Asahi Kasei Corporation, also shared a few words, "The folks here in Athens, Limestone County and the state of Alabama have been very welcoming to Asahi Kasei. I want to give a special thanks to all those responsible for constructing this exceptional facility."

A third production line that was recently delivered was also on display for attendees, and is expected to be in operation later this year.

Asahi Kasei continues to strengthen their position in the battery separator market with their recent acquisition of Polypore International LP.

On an international level, Asahi Kasei Plastics recently opened a sales office in Querétaro, Mexico. They are beginning the process to evaluate sites for a new compounding facility in the region. 

About Asahi Kasei Plastics

Asahi Kasei Plastics is a leading international compounder of advanced engineered polymers. As the largest glass reinforced polypropylene manufacturer in North America, Asahi Kasei Plastics provides unique engineering solutions for global markets.