Japan-based Kuraray Begins Construction On La Porte, Texas, Poval Production Plant
04/10/2013
The company said its new plant will add to Kuraray’s vast portfolio of manufacturing in the United States. Kuraray’s Poval plant will have a production capacity of over 40,000 tons in its first phase.
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.
George Avdey, President and CEO of Kuraray America, Inc., said, “Kuraray felt this was an ideal place to establish a beachhead for further expansions.” With operations to begin in early 2015, 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.
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 or 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.
Article Discussion
Most Read
- 2018 Top States for Doing Business: Georgia Ranks #1 Fifth Year in a Row
- Industry 4.0: The Influence of Big Data on the Manufacturing Floor
- Technology Upending the Location Decision Process
- 2018 Top States for Doing Business Commentary: Can Trailing States Catch the Southern Coastal States Leading the Pack?
- Three Tips For Using Labor Market Data
- Modular Construction Projects Cut Costs and Timelines
- Orlando: A Prime Destination for a STEM Workforce
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
-
2018 Leading Metro Locations: Pacific and Mountain Metros Dominate the List
-
2018 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Recognize States’ Efforts to Attract High-Value Investment & Large Job-Creating Projects
-
32nd Annual Corporate Survey & the 14th Annual Consultants Survey
-
2017 Top States for Doing Business: Georgia Ranks #1 Fourth Year in a Row
