Asahi Kasei to boost R&D

Okayama, Japan — Asahi Kasei has announced plans to consolidate its R&D operations in a new complex at its factory in Mizushima, about 27km south west of Okayama.

There are a number of labs on the Mizushima site which will be consolidated into one building to expand the scale of research and enable greater emphasis on the materials sector, said the firm.

Asahi Kasei added that it expects the decision to house all of the research in one location will increase interaction between researchers in different disciplines and enhance collaborative research in catalyst, process and in materials.

Akira Nakabayashi will head the chemical and chemical process laboratory. This will focus on, process chemistry, organic synthesis including polymer design and synthesis, catalyst chemistry, biochemistry and silicone chemistry.

Takashi Tsunoda will head the catalyst laboratory. The lab will focus on developing catalysts based on inorganic oxides, metals and precious metals as well as inorganic synthesis technology.