Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc.　

2012 was the year of investment decisions that will direct the future of Mitsubishi Plastics. These include the transfer of the piping business, which was a crucial decision to make, as well as the expansion of alumina-fiber production lines, the establishment of a Chinese subsidiary to manufacture agricultural films and a new plant producing separators for lithium-ion secondary batteries. I believe that capital investments are necessary for Mitsubishi Plastics to grow continuously and enhance its earning capacity. Moving foward into 2013, we hope to continue making the right investment decisions at the right time based strictly on our business principles and experience.

The outlook for the global economy is still uncertain: it seems that most developed nations are now facing a sluggish economy, and emerging countries, slower economic growth. Meanwhile, there is a compelling need for the new Liberal Democratic Party government to address the acceleration of reconstruction projects in Tohoku area and the implementation of new growth strategies. Under such circumstances, the business environment for our company has been rapidly changing, which will force us to go through another difficult time. Therefore, it is time for us to strengthen our “durability” in each business sector, which helps us to respond flexibly to changes in the business environment and minimize the impact of such changes, thus being less affected by any economic climates.

To start with, we plan to begin its operation of the polyester film plant in Suzhou, China, as part of our global strategy to enhance our collaborative network across Japan, Asian countries, US, and Europe. We also plan to further strengthen the business partnership with Quadrant AG and make efforts to achieve synergy effects from it. For the success of the global initiatives on a group-wide basis, every business unit in Japan and overseas is required to maintain effective operations and develop their potential capabilities, so as to realize the synergy effects at a faster pace. On the other hand, Management should attempt to enhance the horizontal organizational structure of our global business. We also focus on the realization of synergy effects between group companies of the Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings.

Despite the current uncertain macro-economic environment, there are still many business opportunities surrounding our business. I believe that the business growth will increase such opportunities where our employees can fulfill their potential. To achieve this, we will continue investing our resources for future growth; at the same time, in order to respond to an ever-evolving business environment, change is unavoidable in some parts of our business. Thus, it is important to enhance our “durability” in responding flexibly to the changes and “expand” our business inside and outside Japan. It is with this in mind I would like to present 2013 as the year marking a significant turning point: this is the year we will take action to realize our long-cherished aspirations and ideas. I hope all our employees will remain highly committed and passionate in the forthcoming year - 2013.

 

For further information please contact:
Public Relations and Investor Relations office,
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation.
TEL: +81-3-6748-7140