MRC-SGL Precursor Co., Ltd. (hereinafter MSP), a joint corporation between Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. (hereinafter MRC) and SGL Group – The Carbon Company – (hereinafter SGL) successfully started commercial production of PAN based precursor (Precursor), a main ingredient of carbon fiber, at Otake Japan, one of MRC’s main manufacturing sites in April.

All of produced Precursor is to be supplied to SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers (hereinafter SGL ACF), a joint venture between SGL and the BMW Group. Precursor is to be used to manufacture a large-tow carbon fiber at the SGL ACF plant in Moses Lake (WA/USA), and then it is to be transferred to and weaved at SGL ACF plant in Wackersdorf/Germany.

Large-tow fabric is to be fabricated to make automotive composites parts at the BMW Group Plant Landshut/Germany for BMW next generation environment-friendly car “Megacity Vehicle”, now named BMW i3 series, which is scheduled to go on sales in 2013.

MSP has an important role in “Megacity Vehicle” project as a key supplier in the supply chain since quality of precursor has critical effect on performance and quality of carbon fibers. MSP plans to expand its capacity up to 7,000 tons / a year within three years.

MRC and SGL will strengthen relationship further through this joint venture to develop new products for rapidly growing new industrial applications

About MRC-SGL Precursor Co., Limited
President: Takahiro Ono (Mitsubishi Rayon Pyrofil Department Senior Director)
Address:
Headquarter: Mimato-ku Tokyo
Manufacturing site: Otake, Hiroshima
Establishment date: April 30th 2010
Controlling share: MRC: SGL=66.66%: 33.34%

MRC and SGL will strengthen relationship further through this joint venture to develop new products for rapidly growing new industrial applications