Established in 1949, initially Kaneka’s main products included caustic soda, soap, cosmetics, edible oils and electrical wires. Later the company diversified into polymers, fermentation, biotechnology and electronics, as well as other fields.
Business activities now span a broad spectrum of markets ranging from plastics, expandable polystyrene (EPS) resins, chemicals and foodstuffs to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electrical and electronic materials and synthetic fibres.
History
Kaneka was established on 1 September 1949 as a spin off from the Kanegafuchi Spinning (which is currently known as Kanebo).
Later it diversified into polymers, fermentation, biotechnology and electronics, as well as other fields.
Company movements
In February 2009, Kaneka will sell its polystyrene (PS) paper business for an undisclosed sum to Sekisui Plastics.
Kaneka is expected to transfer over the property, factory and intellectual property rights of its wholly owned subsidiary, Saitama-based Sunpolymer, to Sekisui Plastics by 31 March 2009.
Kaneka is divided up into the following seven business fields:
Chemicals
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
Caustic soda;
Hydrochloric acid;
Flexible PVC compounds;
Rigid PVC compounds;
Paste PVC; and
Chlorinated PVC.
Synthetic Fibres and Others
Modacrylic fibres
Electronic Products
Ultra heat-resistant polyimide film;
Bonded magnets;
Magnet wire;
PVC pipes for underground cables; and
Solar cells.
Functional Plastics
Modifier resins;
Heat-resistant acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins;
Self-extinguishing ABS resins;
Modified silicone polymers (MS polymer); and
Allyl (Silyl) terminated polyisobuthylenes (Epion).
Life Science Products
Ubidecarenone (coenzyme Q10);
Anti-hypertensive drug intermediates;
Intermediates for antibiotics;
Liposorber system (LDL-cholesterol adsorption system); and
Lixelle (adsorption column for dialysis-related amyloidosis).
Expandable Plastics and Products
Extruded polystyrene foam boards;
Insulating PVC sash windows;
Polystyrene foam sheets;
Polyolefin foam (beads and moulding); and
Expandable polystyrene.
Foodstuffs Products
Margarine and shortening;
Confectionary fats; and
Bakery yeast.
Kaneka
Strategy & Financial Highlights
Kaneka states that its strategy is aimed at transforming the company into a “New Kaneka”. As a manufacturer of chemical products, Kaneka states that it operates in an environment which has grown “exceedingly challenging”. To keep profitability from worsening it has formulated a new medium-term management plan, ending in fiscal year 2011, to transform Kaneka into a growing company. ICIS also provides you with key financial data listed in table form.
More about Kaneka Strategy & Financial Highlights
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