Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. (TYO:4063) recently announced that it has developed the TC-BGI Series – a silicone rubber sheet made to serve as a thermal interface in electric vehicle (EV) parts, which are continuing to trend toward higher voltage. The new product takes the form of a hard, thermal-interface silicone rubber sheet that combines good levels of voltage resistance and...
automotive materials
Toyota Takes on Conductive Surface Material From Achilles to Aid in Stable Vehicle Behavior
Achilles Corp. (TYO:5142) recently announced that a conductive surface material it offers has been picked up by Toyota Motor Corp. (TYO:7203) for use in a special-edition Toyota Corolla launched last November. By incorporating the conductive surface material into the driver’s seat, static electricity built up in the driver and their surroundings can be dispersed throughout their entire body, reducing electric...
Okamoto Builds New Plant to Produce Automotive Interior Materials in Wuhan, China
Yoshiyuki Okamoto, chairman and president of Okamoto Industries Inc. (TYO:5122), recently said that the company is planning to add 10 billion yen ($87.25 million) in investments over the coming three years. On top of setting up a new logistics base in Okayama to bolster its foundations in western Japan, the company is making efforts overseas as well, with plans to...
Annual Rubber Industry Accounts for FY2020 Show Second-Half Recovery on Automotive Rebound
Rubber industry earnings reports for the fiscal year through March 2021 show a second-half recovery from nearly across-the-board first-half negative revenue and profit performance due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that struck early in 2020. The second-half turnaround reflected a worldwide economic recovery, powered in large part by strong performance in the Chinese and U.S. automotive industries....
Okamoto Moves to Establish New Chinese Plant for Automotive Interior Materials
Okamoto Industries Inc. (TYO:5122) is set to establish a new plant for the production of automotive interior materials in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Operated by a new subsidiary named Okamoto Manufacturing Wuhan Co. Ltd., the new plant is set to see construction begin this May and finish in December. The Wuhan plant will give Okamoto a third production base for...