Notification regarding measures to strengthen Mitsubishi Rayon's carbon fiber production operations in the United States

 Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Grafil Inc. (Sacramento, California), will expand its production capacity for high strength carbon fibers (Grafil 37-800) during the 4th quarter of 2012.  This effort is designed to further accelerate expansion of the carbon fiber business in North America.
 
 High strength carbon fibers are primarily used as the raw material for industrial applications, such as pressure vessels storing compressed natural gas (CNG).  The recent discoveries and developments of low cost natural gas fields are drastically increasing the demand for high strength carbon fibers in North America.
 In response to this growing demand, Mitsubishi Rayon will continue to invest in its Sacramento facility to further enhance its support of customers with high performance carbon fibers in industrial application segments.
 
 Mitsubishi Rayon has, and will continue to, position Grafil Inc. as a major production base of high performance carbon fibers. Grafil’s location in North America enables them them to take advantage of competitive natural gas utility costs. Present plans include further investment in Grafil Inc. to introduce high modulus fibers, as well as additional production lines for high strength carbon fibers.
 
＊High strength carbon fibers : Grafil 37-800
The latest generation high performance carbon fiber products with enhanced tensile modulus, 37 msi, and enhanced tensile strength, 800 ksi.