Tosoh to take full control of HDI monomer producer

Tokyo – Tosoh Corp. is to acquire Asahi Kasei's 50% interest in Nanyo Kasei, taking full ownership of the Japanese producer of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) monomer.

Nanyo Kasei was established in 1980 as a 50:50 joint venture between Asahi Kasei and Nippon Polyurethane Industry, now part of Tosoh, to manufacture HDI monomer.

Under the current arrangement, Tosoh and Asahi Kasei supply raw materials and other inputs to Nanyo Kasei and subsequently purchase the HDI monomer produced by the company.

In a 13 Oct statement, Tosoh said the acquisition would enable it to “secure a stable supply of HDI monomer” and support the stable operation of its HDI derivatives business.

In particular, the group said the transaction would support HDI monomer supply to its new HDI derivatives plant, which started commercial operations in September.

The acquisition is scheduled to close by the end of March 2027.