Tokyo, Japan—Tosoh Corporation is increasing its zirconia powder production capacity at its Nanyo and Yokkaichi Complexes in response to growing global demand, particularly for dental and decorative applications.
Construction began to expand capacity for producing zirconia powder at the Nanyo Complex, in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, in June 2015 and is expected to end in November 2015. Construction will likewise start at the Yokkaichi Complex, in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, in February 2016, with completion slated for October 2016. Commercial production at the new facilities is scheduled for March 2016 at the Nanyo Complex and for April 2017 at the Yokkaichi Complex.
Tosoh produces yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is known as ceramic steel for its superior strength, flexibility, wear resistance, and longevity. Those characteristics combined with our high and stable quality , ensure a dominant share of the global market for Tosoh’s zirconia powder in such industrial and commercial applications as fiber-optic connectors and several other structural components, electronic parts, and grinding balls.
Recent advances at Tosoh are extending the market for zirconia powder to dental and decorative purposes. The company’s development of translucent (Zpex, Zpex Smile) and colored grades of zirconia powder are raising international demand for the product for uses in cosmetic dentistry and in decorative fashion accessories.
Zirconia products are a cornerstone of Tosoh’s advanced materials business. And the company—a pioneer in zirconia production—plans to keep pace with vigorously increasing global demand by further boosting the scale and the profitability of its operations.
History of Zirconia Production at Tosoh
| 1983 | Established world’s first commercial plant for zirconia at Nanyo Complex |
| 1995 | Increased production capacity at Nanyo Complex |
| 2009 | Founded new production facility for zirconia at Yokkaichi Complex, for 40% increase in overall zirconia production capacity |
| 2012 | Increased zirconia production capacity at Nanyo Complex, for 20% increase in combined Nanyo-Yokkaichi production capacity |
Details of Plan for Zirconia Powder Production Capacity Increase
| Locations | Tosoh Corporation Nanyo and Yokkaichi Complexes |
| Affected facilities | Zirconia powder production facilities |
| Production capacity | Approx. 30% increase |
| Investment | Approx. ¥3.9 billion |
| Construction period | Nanyo: Start: June 2015; End: November 2015
Yokkaichi: Start: February 2016; End: October 2016 |
| Projected start of commercial operation | Nanyo: March 2016
Yokkaichi: April 2017 |
TOSOH CORPORATION
WHO WE ARE
Tosoh Corporation is the parent of the Tosoh Group, which comprises over 100 companies worldwide and a multiethnic workforce of over 11,000 people and generated net sales of ¥809.7 billion (US$6.7 billion at the year-end rate of ¥120.17 to the US dollar) in fiscal 2015, ended March 31, 2015.
WHAT WE DO
Tosoh is one of the largest chlor-alkali manufacturers in Asia. The company supplies the plastic resins and an array of the basic chemicals that support modern life. Tosoh’s petrochemical operations supply ethylene, polyethylene, and functional polymers, while its advanced materials business serves the global semiconductor, display, and solar industries. Tosoh has also pioneered sophisticated bioscience systems that are used for the monitoring of life-threatening diseases. In addition, Tosoh demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future in part by manufacturing a variety of eco-products.
Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol: 4042
DISCLAIMER
This document may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning product development, objectives, goals, and commercial introductions, which involve certain risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are identified through the use of the word anticipates and other words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ significantly from the results expressed in forward-looking statements.