| On 1st February 2006 Mr Michiyoshi Kaino, President of the Asahi Glass Co Chemicals Company and Mr Takashizu Minato, Chief Executive Officer of Asahi Glass Fluoropolymers UK Ltd (AGFP) carried out a ground breaking ceremony in front of invited guests on the site of AGFP’s new ETFE plant at Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire. The Mayor of Wyre Borough, Councillor Peter Pimbley, then joined Mr Minato in planting a tree at the site. AGFP is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Asahi Glass Company of Japan. Asahi Glass Company's principal business interests are glass and chemical products and it is one of the world's leading producers of fluorochemicals and fluoropolymer materials. ETFE is a fluoropolymer with excellent chemical resistance, electrical insulation and mechanical properties. It has applications in wire and cable insulation (e.g. aerospace, automotive, robotics and electronic equipment), different types of coatings and linings, material for parts in the semi-conductor industry, tubing, film, sheet and tape. AGFP manufactures PTFE resin and lubricant powders at its existing plant located Thornton Cleveleys. AGFP is a significant local employer and one of the top export companies in North West England. The new plant, costing some £15M and the first Asahi Glass ETFE plant located outside Japan will create 20 new jobs and safeguard the employment of the 140 people currently working in the PTFE operations at the site. AGFP and its contractors will be working to the highest standards of construction during the building of the new plant. Particular emphasis will be given safety and to minimising disruption to those living near the plant In his speech Mr Kaino said: The plant is designed to produce ETFE, which is a strategically important fluoropolymer for Asahi Glass. It will be on stream in April of 2007, 14 months from now. With this new plant, the Asahi Glass group will have three ETFE manufacturing plants in two regions. Customer satisfaction is a key objective and this plant will enable us to better serve our important customers in Europe and contribute to the enhancement of their satisfaction with us. This investment in the UK is, of course, a most important event for Asahi Glass Fluoropolymers UK as it will give a new production capability in addition to the conventional PTFE products. Having two kinds of fluoropolymers, the Company will surely enjoy a magnificent synergy. |
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