Toray Korea to boost PPS resin production with expansion plan

Toray Advanced Materials Korea (TAK) has announced plans to increase its annual production capacity of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin by 5,000 tons.

The expansion will take place at the Gunsan plant located in Saemangeum Industrial Complex and is set to be completed by 2024, bringing TAK's total annual capacity to 13,600 tons, the largest in South Korea. TAK will also raise its capacity for sodium sulfide, the main raw material for PPS resin, to 4,800 tons per year.

The Gunsan plant is unique in that it is the first to have a batch production system that allows for the production of PPS resin and compounds from raw materials. PPS is a super engineering plastic with high heat resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent mechanical strength, making it a popular choice for use in industrial parts such as electric vehicles, electronic devices, and housing facilities.

North Jeolla Province Governor Kim Kwan-young played a role in securing the expansion by asking Toray Industries President Akihiro Nikkaku for additional investment during his visit to Japan late last year.

Toray has expressed its intention to strengthen its relationship with the local community through this investment.

"We will provide administrative support to ensure that the company's infrastructure growth can be completed in a timely manner," Governor Kim said.

Write to Jae-Fu Kim at hu@hankyung.com