Japan-based Teijin Limited has become the first company to produce high performance and high function fibres in the Asean region.

Teijin Corporation (Thailand) Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of the Japanese company, has begun the production of a new kind of highly heat-resistant and dye able meta-aramid fibre called Tejinconex neo, the company stated in a press release.

Tejinconex neo provides unbeatable heat resistance and excellent dye ability that enable highly diversified solutions for the design and manufacture of protective apparels.

The 2,200-tons-per-annum plant was built at a cost of around JPY 4.5 billion ($36 million) and has begun operating with a workforce of 70 people. The site measures 22,985 square metres. Construction of the plant started in December 2013.

The products of Teijin’s technologies are compliant with REACH and satisfy other environmental regulations, without any special treatment. The production of Tejinconex neo will strengthen the position of the company in markets like Asia, where the demand for flame retardant and high performance fibres is growing rapidly. By setting a target of $160 million by 2020, Teijin aims to occupy a leading spot in the international market for protective clothing, the release said.

Along with strong demands from developed markets, there is a rise in demand for protective apparels made with aramid fibres in Asia. Rising standards of protective clothing like comfort, manoeuvrability, and tremendous dye ability of aramid fibres will boost the demand of Teijinconex and Teijinconex Neo in Asian and other emerging markets.

“Teijin first began operating in Thailand in 1966 and now has seven group companies with 1,500 employees,” says Tadashi Sakata, President of Teijin Corporation (Thailand) in a press release. “We are also expanding our automotive rubber materials business in Thailand and are shifting polyester fibres production to this market from Japan. Going forward, we will upgrade our production and processing capabilities for high-performance fibres by steadily introducing advanced technologies in Thailand, the hub of the Asean region.” (HO)