Shin-Etsu to expand silicones in Thailand, build US tech center

摘要

Shin-Etsu Chemical said today that it plans to strengthen its silicones business through expansion of capacity in Thailand and the establishment of a new technical center in the United States. Silicones are one of Shin-Etsu’s main pillars. The com- pany commands more than 50% of the silicones market in Japan and in 2013 had an 11% share of the estimated $11 billion global silicones market.Shin-Etsu will increase its silicone monomer plant’s production capacity at Rayong, Thailand by 50% – from 70,000 m.t./year to 105,000 m.t./year. The company will also increase its silicone polymer production capacity by about 40% – from 54,000 m.t./year to 74,000 m.t./year. Construction of this expansion project, estimated to cost ￥20 billion ($165.1 million) is scheduled to be completed in 2017.