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Our global businesses are basically
in four fields: Monomers, including
acrylonitrileand methyl methacrylate; chemicalbased, specialized-function
products, including elastic polyurethane filament, thermoplastic elastomers,
and battery materials; electronics, including electronic materials and
electronic devices; and medical devices. We will focus strategic investment in
these fields to expand in global markets based on our competitive superiority.
We are now the world’s second largest supplier of acrylonitrile, and have
developed the world’s first process to produce acrylonitrilefrom propane. We
are now studying a joint project with PTT of Thailand for a propane-process
acrylonitrile plant. The completion of this project would bring our total supply
capacity to nearly one million tons per year, on par with the world-leading
position.
Our elastic polyurethane filament business was recently augmented by the
acquisition of the business of the Lanxess Group of Germany, with production
sites in Germany and the US. Complementing our production sites in Japan,
China, Taiwan, and Thailand, this gives us a solid presence in each of the
world’s major market regions.
In electronics we will accelerate our global expansion with M&A,and develop
higher-function, higher-performance electronic devices and electronic
materials for new applications to expand a high-earnings operational
structure.
In medical devices we are building global leadership in blood purification
systems and expanding production capacity for artificial kidneys used in
hemodialysis therapy. |
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Our domestic-oriented businesses
are basically in three fields: Housing, construction materials, and pharmaceuticals.
While Japan’s economy had in the past been centered on capital-intensive production
industries, a transformation of the industrial structure is emerging where creative
know-how and services are playing an increasingly prominent role. Our domestic
businesses must adapt to these new circumstances in order to add more value.
The strategic focus of our housing business is the Long Life Home product concept
for Hebel Haus™homes providing long-term comfort and utility. The strategy is
being extended into peripheral services such as remodeling, real estate, and
financing, as the operational structure is expanded to include value-additive
customer support for the living environment in addition to the provision of the
home itself.
In construction materials we are expanding sales of highperformance insulation
material, bringing a more customercentered perspective into marketing activities,
exploiting synergies with housing operations, and advancing R&D for new business.
Our pharmaceuticals business is sharpening the focus on selected therapeutic
fields, chiefly orthopedics, and building alliances with domestic and international
pharmaceutical firms in joint development, joint sales, and licensing. |
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