History of Growth
 Shitagau Noguchi |
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Utilizing this ammonia, Japan Bemberg Fiber Co., Ltd. began production of Bemberg™ rayon by the cuprammonium process in April 1931, and in May of the same year the Nobeoka plant of Nihon Chisso Hiryou was spun off and established as Nobeoka Ammonia Fiber Co., Ltd., the formal establishment date of Asahi Kasei.
The first decades were a time of growth through expansion in the production of industrial chemicals and chemical derivatives such as caustic soda, chlorine, fertilizers, nitrocellulose and industrial explosives, Bemberg™ and viscose rayon cellulosic fibers (viscose rayon production ended September 2001), and Asahi Aji flavor enhancer. The years following World War II began broader ranging expansion into new fields, which has brought Asahi Kasei to the forefront of the Japanese chemical industry.
Bemberg™ and viscose rayon were complemented with Cashmilon™ acrylic staple fiber in May 1959 (production ended March 2003), followed by nylon 6 filament in February 1964 (production ended June 1994), polyester filament in June 1969, Leona™ nylon 66 filament in June 1970, Roica™ elastic polyurethane filament in February 1971, and spunbond nonwoven fabric in September 1973, to establish Asahi Kasei as a comprehensive maker of cellulosic and synthetic fibers. In 1994, Asahi Kasei Textiles, Ltd. and holdings in Nippon Synthetic Fibers Co., Ltd. were absorbed, for integrated fiber operations over the full range of R&D, production, and marketing, from materials to textiles.
We began commercial production of acrylonitrile monomer in 1962 and synthetic rubber in 1964. With the start-up of our ethylene plant in April 1972, our Mizushima petrochemical complex became the key supply base for our operations in petrochemicals and derivatives. Production of a variety of plastics began in the 1960s and 1970s, including PMMA, HDPE, Tenac™ polyacetal, and Leona™ nylon 66. In April 1975, we led the world with chlor-alkali production using the ion-exchange membrane process. In October 1982, the operations of Asahi-Dow in styrenic resins, Xyron™ m-PPE, LDPE, plastic foams, and Saran Wrap™ and other polyvinylidene chloride resin products were merged into the rapidly expanding product stream.
Chemicals operations also include photosensitive resins, coating materials, and pharmaceutical excipients. Our first ion-exchange membrane plant in Kawasaki was completed in 1961, and other major milestones, marking world-leading advances, were achieved in the development of ion-exchange membranes and membrane processes for chlor-alkali and salt production since that time. Industrial membranes operations also include microporous membranes for use as lithium-ion battery separators and hollow-fiber membrane systems for ultrafiltration and microfiltration.
Construction materials operations began with the production of Hebel™ autoclaved lightweight concrete in August 1967, which was soon followed by the production of autoclaved high-strength piles and then autoclaved concrete/steel composite piles. Most recently, the Neoma™ high-performance phenolic foam insulation panel was commercialized in October 2000. Housing operations began in 1972 with the introduction of the quality Hebel Haus™ product line. From the beginning, their market leading design and ALC construction have brought rapid and continuing growth throughout all targeted urban and metropolitan areas, led by innovations in three-story homes, two-generation homes, and most recently the “long life home” concept.
A major milestone in the development of operations in the electronics sector has been the growth of Asahi Kasei Microsystems Co., Ltd., established in 1983, driven by market leading innovations in LSIs, crystal oscillator ICs and other devices for mobile phone and other demanding applications. Materials produced by Asahi Kasei for the electronics industry include dry film resist, photosensitive polyimide, and glass fabric.
The development of an extensive range of bulk and intermediate pharmaceuticals began in 1970. Major developments included the introduction of our first anti-cancer agent in 1978 and first thrombolytic agent in 1991. In 1992, the pharmaceuticals operating base, market position, and R&D effort were reinforced and expanded by the acquisition of Toyo Jozo. Asahi Kasei Medical was established in 1974 for operations in artificial kidneys and other medical devices. Biotechnology-related products include fine chemicals and virus-removal filters.
Foods operations, including the Asahi Aji flavor enhancer first marketed in 1935, were divested to Japan Tobacco Inc. in July 1999. The 1992 Toyo Jozo merger also brought our entry into alcoholic beverages operations. In September 2002 shochu and low-alcohol beverage operations were transferred to Asahi Breweries, Ltd. and The Nikka Whiskey Distilling Co., Ltd., and in July 2003 sake operations were transferred to Oenon Holdings Corporation.
Today the drive continues, for new advances in both established and leading-edge operations that will write the future history of growth.
