The production volume of synthetic rubber for March was 102,196 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 11.7 percent, according to data compiled by the Synthetic Rubber Industry Association of Japan. This fall-off was consistent across all product types, as SBR production volume was at 23,800 tons, a 25.3 percent decrease; and BR was at 21,791 tons, an 11.2 percent decrease. There...
In January 2015, Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO:5110) acquired Lonstroff Holding AG. This is the parent company of Swiss firm Lonstroff AG, a manufacturer of rubber products used in the medical field. By ensuring it has a European base for manufacturing and selling such rubber products, Sumitomo Rubber will focus on Europe as it further develops its global presence in...
Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) subsidiary Bridgestone Europe NV/SA (BSEMEA) announced on May 30, 2016, that it would acquire Speedy France SAS, a leading car retail service company. Recent years have seen a string of overseas acquisitions by Japanese rubber companies, mainly tire manufacturers. With demand unlikely to grow domestically, Japanese companies are increasingly looking to expand their overseas business through corporate...
Amid weak movement in rubber overall, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp.’s (TYO:3407) solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S–SBR) business has found relatively robust performance in its specialty area of high-performance products. The company has felt some impact with a portion of its product lines due to the economic downturn in China, a large consumption market. However, demand in Asia on the whole has...
Dunlop Home Products Co. Ltd., an affiliate of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO:5110), is developing a market for healthcare products such as water-filled cushions and a wheelchair ramp designed for portability. The Dunslope portable wheelchair ramp was developed as an assistive device enabling wheelchairs to move over steps and other uneven areas. Readily portable, it enables wheelchair users to create...
Inoac Corp., a major manufacturer of polyurethane foam products, is making a serious entry into the welfare and nursing care market with its leading product, mattresses made with polyurethane foam – along with cushions, low-floor soft beds and other goods. An affiliated company, Inoac Living Co. Ltd., is handling sales. Inoac’s mattresses are distinguishable by their superior performance. The company utilizes...
