Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoshimitsu Kobayashi) will expand production facilities for olefin thermoplastic elastomer and adhesive polymer in China and North America to further accelerate global expansion of the performance polymers business.

Olefin thermoplastic elastomer is used mainly as a raw material for automotive components such as airbag covers and adhesive polymer is used mainly as a raw material for food packaging and automotive components. Demand for these performance polymers is increasing in both China and North America.

In response to this growing demand, Mitsubishi Chemical will expand above-mentioned performance polymers production facilities in China and North America, with a total investment of some 700 million. This allows Mitsubishi Chemical to establish a supply and sales network in China, in addition to Japan, Europe, and North America.

The Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group medium-term management plan, APTSIS 15 positions performance polymers as a "growth business". Therefore, Mitsubishi Chemical will continue to promote global expansion in fields with growth potential such as automobile and medical care worldwide, including emerging countries. In addition, we will promote global expansion in fields of electric cable and wire and food packaging.