Kolon Plastics, a joint venture formed in 1996 between Kolon Industries in Korea and Toray Industries in Japan, intends to nearly double sales in the next two years by expanding its engineering thermoplastics presence around the world. Korea’s Kolon Group already is one of the world’s largest suppliers of nylon fibers, with sales approaching $5.6 billion 2008, and now the company is increasing its focus on its thermoplastics business unit.
One step in the near term will be the construction of a new acetal (POM) supply facility; Kolon markets its POM under the brand name Kocetal. The supplier’s other brands and materials include KOPA (polyamide 6 and polyamide 66), SPESIN (PBT), KOPET (flame retardant PET), and KOPEL (TPE-E).
The company’s total sales for 2008 were about $120 million, but CEO Hojin Kim has set a target of $200 million by 2011. The company anticipates good chances for it to expand its market share in the automotive and electrical/electronics industries, among others. Kolon also has indicated that it is actively considering establishing a supply base outside of Korea.
According to Kolon, Kocatel separates itself from other POM grades already on the market by offering premium thermal stability and durability. —[email protected]
