Asahi Kasei Plastics breaks ground on Alabama compounding plant

Federal, State and local officials joined together with Asahi Kasei Plastics North America Inc. (AKPN; Fowlerville, MI) and guests to officially break ground on its newest manufacturing site for advanced thermoplastic compounds in Limestone County, AL. AKPN received funding from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and local governments for the project.

The 30,000-tonnes/year plant Athens facility will serve as a compound production and distribution hub for the company in the southern US, providing service to a number of their key segments in the region; automotive, commercial seating, pool & spa, and electrical & electronics. The site is expected to be fully operational the first quarter of 2016.

"This represents a great new development in the partnership between Alabama and a global company with a history of innovation," said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce." Asahi Kasei's decision to add a second plant in the area and create up to 100 new jobs shows confidence in their Alabama partners and in the Alabama workforce. All the agencies that worked on this project as part of the Alabama team will continue to support the company to make this endeavor a success."

"Asahi Kasei Plastics is a perfect example of the great teamwork and partnership on this project between the state, local government, county commission, economic development, resulting in a $30 million plant to our community," said Ronnie Marks, mayor of Athens, Alabama. "This is a great opportunity to see growth, not only here, but throughout Limestone County. We are excited to have Asahi joining our community."

"This newest chapter of our North American operations is pivotal for our company," said John Moyer, president of Asahi Kasei Plastics. "As we continue on our path of growth, being located in the heart of the automotive hub of the south helps us open new doors with our innovative materials."

Also in attendance was Yuji Kobayashi, president of Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation (Tokyo). He has been delighted with the support from the community and governmental agencies. "The automotive industry has helped with the strong and sustained growth of our operations. The strengthened state of the US economy and the impact of North American shale gas present a distinct opportunity for additional investments from Asahi Kasei."

Asahi Kasei Plastics product lines include Thermylene polypropylene (PP), Leona  polyamide (PA) 66 and 66+6i), Thermylon PA 6 and 66, Tenac homopolymer & copolymer acetal, Xyron modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE), and Stylac acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).