Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President Hiroshi Yoshida) announce that it has completed in February a new production line for “MAFTEC™”, alumina fibers for which the demand is growing around the world. In addition, the Company has decided to construct another additional line. The new lines is to be installed at its Sakaide Plant located in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture.

　The alumina fiber MAFTEC^™, which Mitsubishi Plastics has positioned as a growth business, possesses various outstanding characteristics such as being able to maintain its thermal insulation and cushioning properties for long periods even in extremely hot environments that surpassed 1,600ºC. Used as support mats for DPFs^* and catalytic converters for exhaust gas-treatment equipment in cars and insulation in reaheating furnaces, the material has received high praise from both domestic and overseas users. In particular, the material is used as support mats in around 40% of the catalytic converters and DPFs throughout the world (for alumina fibres as a whole, approximately 80%; Mitsubishi Plastics estimate).

　Mitsubishi Plastics plans to increase its production capacity of MAFTEC^™ to approximately 5,600 tons/year, after the launch of two production lines at the Sakaide Plant in February and the end of May this year, respectively. In addition, the Company has recently determined to set up another additional line with an annual production capacity of 400 tons at the same plant, since the growth of the strong demand for automotive exhaust gas treatment equipment is outpacing the Company’s production increase. The third production line will complete by the end of December 2012.

　The demand for alumina fibers is expected to continue growing, taking into consideration the rising car production in emerging countries and stricter exhaust gas regulations for automobiles and construction machinery worldwide. Mitsubishi Plastics will further increase its supply capacity while keeping an eye on the market.

* Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): a device to filter out soot particles from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine.

 

Alumina fiber “MAFTEC^™”

 

Support mat for catalytic converter used for exhaust-gas treatment equipment in cars　

Inquiries by media regarding this material should be directed to the
Public Relations Section, General Administration Dept., Mitsubishi Plastics Inc.
TEL: +81-3-3279-3800