Kuraray Subsidiary in Singapore Expands Sales Office

Kuraray Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:3405)(ISIN:JP3269600007) today announces that Kuraray Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.—a Kuraray subsidiary in Singapore functioning as an Asia-Pacific hub to oversee the Kuraray Group's regional activities—has expanded its sales office to strengthen business functions.

Profile of Kuraray Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

• Kuraray Asia Pacific was established in July 2008 through the integration of POVAL ASIA PTE LTD., a manufacturer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin (brand name: KURARAY POVAL), and Kuraray Specialities Asia Pte., Ltd., a PVA resin sales and marketing company.
• In addition to its PVA resin manufacturing and sales functions, Kuraray Asia Pacific has expanded its sales function for polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin; EVAL gas barrier resin; SEPTON thermoplastic elastomer; KURALON synthetic fiber (used in many industrial applications, including as an asbestos alternative); and VECTRAN high-strength polyarylate fiber.
• Kuraray Asia Pacific is currently serving as a hub to oversee the Kuraray Group's activities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Background of Office Expansion

• Kuraray aims to expand its vinyl acetate business in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. (In addition to its established PVA resin business in the region, Kuraray has put in place expatriate employees dedicated to EVAL sales activities.)
• Kuraray is promoting the development of its water treatment business in Singapore—a country that is becoming a center for the accumulation and dissemination of information relating to this business—through such means as the dispatch of expatriates.
• Kuraray Asia Pacific is planning to develop the PVB film business and business for other products that it has not yet handled.

Overview of Sales Office

• The office is located on the 18th floor of Odeon Towers in a city area of Singapore.
• Kuraray Asia Pacific began operation in the expanded sales office in April 2010.

Source: http://www.kuraray.co.jp/en/