Asahi Kasei, a 95-year-old chemical manufacturer from Tokyo, established its European headquarters in Dusseldorf to be nearer to customers in high value-added industries and introduce new products more speedily.
“While Asahi Kasei has been creating value in Europe’s automotive, materials and medical markets for decades, the establishment of our European headquarters in Dusseldorf improves our service response time and allows us to anticipate our customers’ needs,” Asahi Kasei Europe President Hideki Tsutsumi says.
“In Europe, we have positioned ourselves as a leader in innovation by setting up a R&D center in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, and establishing technical partnerships with universities there,” Tsutsumi says.
In Europe’s automotive market, Asahi Kasei supplies environmentally sustainable resins, smart-sensing technology and technical fibers, all of which have passed stringent performance tests in Japanese cars.
Its Tufdene™ S-SBR rubber and Leona™ nylon 66, a heat-resistant and collision-proof filament, are among the raw material components of fuel-efficient tires.
In May 2017, Asahi Kasei unveiled AXKY, its first drivable concept car, which embodies the spirit of innovation of the company because it incorporates 27 of its own materials, components and systems.
“The AXKY concept car represents Asahi Kasei’s promise to be the leader in sustainability and smart mobility. By harnessing Asahi Kasei’s values, such as sincerity and creativity, we are able respond to present challenges and the future needs of the European market,” Tsutsumi says.
