Kuraray Co., Ltd., renowned for its proprietary polymer chemistry and synthetic chemistry technologies, on which it has based the development and global marketing of highly functional resins and film, chemicals, fibers and textiles and other distinctive products, marks the 80th anniversary of its establishment on June 24, 2006.
Since Kuraray's first president, Magosaburo Ohara, established Kurashiki Kenshoku Co. in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1926, with the objective of commercializing the synthetic fiber rayon, Kuraray has cultivated a corporate culture and commitment to contribute to society and individual well-being, and to engage in activities that others are unable to produce; this has formed the basis on which Kuraray has developed powerful original technologies over the past 80 years. KURALON, the world's first manufactured polyvinyl alcohol fiber, the man-made leather CLARINO, the gas barrier ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer resin EVAL, and poval film, which is indispensable for liquid crystal displays, are among the lineup of highly original, market-winning products Kuraray has given to the world.
Kuraray is planning the following activities to mark this milestone in its history.
Kuraray 80th Anniversary Commemorative Activities
First public showing of the works of Shiko Munakata from the Kuraray collection and the Ohara Museum of Art in Tokyo and Kobe
Kobe venue | September 13 - 25, 2006: Daimaru Museum, Kobe |
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Tokyo venue | October 5 - 17, 2006: Daimaru Museum Tokyo |
A new Kuraray logo has been created for use worldwide and by all Group companies.
A commemorative journal is being compiled under the concept of 'visual history of Kuraray group'. It is a highly visual publication designed to appeal to the general reader, covering not just business stories but social trends, with anecdotes about Kuraray's development, culture, sports, and a wealth of other subjects.
A new uniform has been introduced for female employees in the headquarters and administrative offices , and for male and female employees in research centers and manufacturing plants. It is the first new uniform since 2001 for the headquarters and administrative operations, and since 1992 for the manufacturing plants and research centers.
1926 | Magosaburo Ohara, the first president, established Kurashiki Kenshoku Co. in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, with the objective of commercializing the synthetic fiber rayon. |
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1950s | KURALON became Japan's first synthetic fiber to be commercialized; commercial production of poval started. |
1960s | Commercialization of poval film and hook-and-loop fastener MAGIC TAPE; development of CLARINO man-made leather with natural leather characteristics; implementation of polyester technology. Kuraray established a KURALON manufacturing plant in China, becoming the first Japanese company to set up a presence in the country before the restoration of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. |
1970s | Commercialization of the world's first synthesis method isoprene, the gas impermeable EVOH resin EVAL, and medical products such as dental materials, artificial organs and contact lenses. Successively entered joint venture agreements with overseas corporations in the non-woven fabric and other new businesses. |
1980s | Established Eval Company of America as a joint-venture manufacturing company. Commenced production of screens for rear- projection televisions. |
1990s | Commercialization of thermoplastic elastomer SEPTON, new Poval fiber KURALON K-Ⅱ, and heat-resistant polyamide resin GENESTAR. Established local manufacturing facilities for EVAL in Belgium and poval resin in Singapore. |
2000s | Acquired the PVA-related operations of Clariant AG. Start of SEPTON manufacturing operations in the United States signaled the acceleration of overseas manufacturing of focus businesses. |
Present | GS-21 Medium-Term Business Plan (fiscal 2006-2008) launched, sets aggressive target for fiscal 2008 of ¥450 billion in net sales, ¥50 billion in operating income, ROA of 9% and ROE of 7%, with a further stretch target of ¥550 billion in net sales and ¥60 billion in operating profit. Accordingly, under the 10-Year Corporate Vision, Kuraray aims to become a diversified, specialty-chemical company of world renown, achieving sustainable growth through exciting innovation and outstanding earnings, and has set a target of ¥1 trillion in net sales by 2015. |