Japan-based Teijin Ltd. — the holding company for Teijin Group, a global enterprise consisting of
approximately 150 companies in businesses including fibers and textiles, films, plastics, medical
and pharmaceuticals, trading and retail, and information technology — has announced it will acquire
a majority interest in Japan-based advanced composite materials manufacturer GH Craft Ltd., and
establish the tentatively-named Teijin Composites Innovation Center (TCIC) on GH Craft’s premises.
The new center will consolidate principal research and development (R&D) and marketing
functions for advanced composites within the Teijin Group. The center also will allow Teijin to
collaborate with automotive producers to develop lightweight, crash-resistant
carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics.
Under the agreement, Teijin will merge its materials, carbon fiber, aramid fiber and polymers
and similar technologies with GH Craft’s design, modeling, prototyping and fabrication skills.
Teijin anticipates the integration will enable the company to strengthen its response to customer
needs and advance its development and commercialization of carbon-fiber-reinforced products.
GH Craft is located near the Mishima Factory of Toho Tenax Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of carbon
staple fiber and part of the Teijin Group. Teijin will merge advanced composites-related
facilities, employees and R&D activities in the Teijin Group — including those of Toho Tenax —
at GH Craft. The TCIC will work to encourage cooperation with both international companies and
academic institutions. Teijin also plans to supply composite material solutions that integrate the
company’s increasing technological assets.
September/October 2008