Asahi Kasei sets up EU base for automotive focus

Dusseldorf, Germany – Asahi Kasei Corp. has established Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH in the German city of Dusseldorf, “as a base for the further expansion of business in Europe”, the Japanese company announced on 9 March.

Hideki Tsutsumi will be the president of the €1-million business, which will start operation on 1 April and will focus on sale and marketing of chemicals, polymers, fibres, and electronic devices.

Asahi Kasei said that it will become an operating holding company on 1 April, after absorbing three of its core operating companies in material fields of operation, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp., Asahi Kasei Fibers Corp., and Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp.

“Together with Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp., these operations form a newly organised material business sector for the Asahi Kasei Group,” the company said, adding that the business sector would aim to maximise synergies within the sector.

With automotive applications as a “key focus”, Asahi Kasei said it would reinforce marketing and capability for product proposals for the material business sector.

“Europe is one of the world’s most important markets for the automotive industry, with Germany holding a core position…. Asahi Kasei Europe in Dusseldorf will enable deeper ties to be gained with the European automotive industry,” said the company.

The European HQ will aim to “accelerate the expansion of business in Europe centring on the growing automotive field.”

Asahi Kasei said the material sector will have an integrated marketing and a strong R&D technical support to meet the European market, particularly in the automotive industry.

The Asahi Kasei Group’s European operations in the health care sector, and other operations currently deemed optimal, will continue in their current configuration.

Asahi’s Chemicals & Fibers segment includes Synthetic rubber materials, such as solution-polymerised SBR, for fuel-efficient tires, hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomer and elastomer compounds.