Mitsubishi Rayon herewith announces the imminent establishment of new “Yokohama Corporate Research Laboratories”, which will be located on the premises of the Company’s Yokohama Production Center. The remit of the new laboratory will be to engage in research into new technologies in the fields of electronic/optical materials and the life sciences, and to develop the seeds of new business ventures. In addition to the research facilities, the laboratory will include a large-scale cleanroom and an experimental wing for the conduct of trial runs, so as to enhance its ability to develop commercially viable products.

Mitsubishi Rayon intends at a relatively early date to transfer to the new laboratory the Biochemicals Research Group, Biodevice Research Group, and Advanced Functional Materials Research Group (all currently working within the existing Yokohama Corporate Research Laboratories), and later to transfer the development functions of the Tokyo Technology & Information Center (located in Tama-ku, Kawasaki).

The new Laboratory will fully leverage our proprietary technologies in such basic fields as genetic engineering, monomer synthesis, polymer synthesis, and precision polymer forming so as to enhance our ability to create new materials and new businesses. This mission will be facilitated by close liaison with other research facilities within the Mitsubishi Rayon Group.

The buildings that will house the new laboratory will utilize the latest in energy conservation technology, including heat insulation in all floors and external walls, as well as highly energy-saving light sources, and everything has been done to minimize the facility’s contribution to the emission of greenhouse gases. The buildings have been designed with great care for their effect on the natural environment, and will feature green roofs employing lightweight manmade soil.