Kuraray will break ground on a greenfield Kuraray Poval (PVOH) plant located in La Porte, Texas. This new plant will add to Kuraray's vast portfolio of manufacturing in the United States, including EVAL (ethylene vinyl acetate) and SEPTON (co-block thermo-elastomers). Kuraray's Poval plant will have a production capacity of over 40,000 tons in its first phase.
"Kuraray is one of the innovators and pioneers of the production of PVOH"
With operations to begin in early 2015, Kuraray will add an additional 107 jobs over the next two years to the Houston Bay Area. Kuraray's strategy for growth within the Houston area is due to developments in natural gas exploration technology, specifically shale gas and the excellence of area infrastructure and ideal workforce.
George Avdey, President and CEO of Kuraray America, Inc., said about Houston, "Kuraray felt this was an ideal place to establish a beachhead for further expansions."
Kuraray has a long history in production of vinyl acetate production starting in 1926 with the production of synthetic rayon, which was cutting-edge technology at the time. In the 1950s, Kuraray became Japan's first domestic producer of synthetic fiber, becoming a world leader in the commercialization of PVOH (Kuraray Poval) fiber under the KURALON brand.
"Kuraray is one of the innovators and pioneers of the production of PVOH," said Bob Chvala, Vice President and General Manager of the Poval Division.
With the new plant, Kuraray will be able to supply Poval to customers with global needs and provide the ability to second source materials from our own facilities in order to meet the increasing demand. Along with global presence, Kuraray provides unique technical service that allows customers to develop new applications and grades all in-house.
About Kuraray Poval
Kuraray is a globally recognized specialty chemical company that creates quality, sustainable solutions that strengthen products from a diverse range of industries.
Kuraray develops products that transform the ordinary—pulp to paper, glue to glass. From films that make glass safer to coatings that make paper stronger, Kuraray Poval resins are used in diverse applications across industries. Known for their commitment to making quality solutions, Kuraray also focuses on improving the community and the environment and developing market-leading research to drive innovation.
