Asahi Kasei will stop manufacturing of hexamethylene diamine (HMD) as part of its current portfolio optimization, targeting to improve capital performance and reinforce the corporation’s revenue profile.
HMD and its by-product, propionitrile, are utilized in materials together with polyamide 66 (PA66), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and resin hardening agents.
Based on an evaluation of market dynamics, competitiveness, and future capital demands, Asahi Kasei has determined to exit HMD manufacturing. The phase-out can be finished by April 2027.
This discontinuation will not impact the manufacturing of Asahi Kasei’s PA66 resin and filament in Nobeoka, nor the manufacturing of HDI and its derivatives in Hyuga—both placed in Miyazaki Prefecture. All impacted employees can be reassigned to other roles within the corporation. The effect on Asahi Kasei’s integrated performance forecast is anticipated to be immaterial. Under its 3-year medium-time management control plan “Trailblaze Together” , Asahi Kasei is enhancing capital efficiency and amplifying earnings by transferring past growth investments into tangible returns. To assist this, the corporation is imposing structural reforms that channel assets to its main growth pillars—prescription drugs, essential care, overseas homes, and electronics.
Lately actions that strengthen Asahi Kasei’s portfolio optimization consist of the divestiture of Daramic, a lead-battery separator corporation, and increasing capacity for Pimel photosensitive polyimide . These reveal the corporation’s disciplined execution of this strategy and fortify the muse for sustained, profitable growth.
