Gunze Investing ¥5.7B to Expand Plant for Plastics Engineering

Gunze Limited is spending  ¥5.7 billion to expand its Konan plant and support the growth of its engineering plastics business. The company is making this investment to meet growing demand for plastics in the medical device and semiconductor markets.

The Konan Plant began operations in 1990 as the core facility for Gunze’s engineering plastics business. Since then, the plant has expanded its business by developing and supplying tubes, belts and other components for the office automation market and various industries, utilizing its proprietary processing technologies for fluoropolymers and polyimide resins. The new building—scheduled for completion in March 2025—will have an exterior with high thermal insulation, high-efficiency lighting and air conditioning, and photovoltaic power generation to reduce CO² emissions. It also will achieve an environmental performance rating of B+ or higher under the Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) certification. CASBEE is a method for evaluating and rating the environmental performance of buildings and the built environment. The method was developed by a research committee created in 2001 through a partnership involving academia, industry, and national/local governments. The partners established the Japan Sustainable Building Consortium under the auspice of the country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. 

Construction of the new two-story structure, steel frame facility will begin in February. The building area will comprise 4,396 square meeters, with 8121 square meters in total floor area. 

Founded in 1896 in Kyoto, Japan, Gunze develops and manufactures engineering plastics, plastic films, medical devices, apparel, and other products. Gunze employs more than 5,200 people in 10 countries worldwide. The Engineering Plastics business was established in 1982 and has a significant presence in more than 20 countries. Its head office and manufacturing facility are located in Aichi, Japan.