On October 27, Evonik opened its expanded facilities in Ako, Japan, where the company will produce its SIPERNAT^® and CARPLEX^® lines of specialty silicas.

Wacker Asahikasei Silicone, a Japanese joint venture of Wacker Chemie AG, opened a new development laboratory for airbag applications.

Vencorex has signed a new distribution agreement with Kadotoku in which Kadotoku will sell the Vencorex aliphatic range of isocyanates to the coating, adhesives, sealants and inks market in Japan.

Michelman has established a joint venture (JV) with Maruyoshi Chemical Co. Ltd., a chemical trading company and a developer and manufacturer of specialty waterborne polyolefin emulsions based in Gifu, Japan.

PPG Industries has expanded its aerospace business operations in Japan with the relocation of its application support center to a site in Miyoshi that supports increased production capacity, adds warehouse space and affords new service capabilities.

Hockmeyer Equipment has added the NSP Corp. of Japan as the newest member of the company’s sales team.