Tokyo, Aug 23, 2012 - (JCN Newswire) - Showa Denko Packaging Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Showa Denko K.K. (SDK), has decided to increase its production capacity for aluminum laminated films used for packaging lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Specifically, Showa Denko Packaging will expand the production facility at its Hikone Plant in Shiga Prefecture, doubling annual production capacity versus the 2010 level. Construction work will start next month, and the expanded facility will start up in the second half of 2013.

Showa Denko Packaging has developed the aluminum laminated film - a composite material of resin film and aluminum foil - using its know-how accumulated over many years to mold laminated films for food containers. Compared with metallic LIBs (either cylindrical type or prism type), aluminum-laminated-film-based pouch type LIBs provide higher flexibility in molding, lighter weight, and better heat dissipation. Thus, pouch type LIBs are widely used as small LIBs for portable devices, including mobile phones and notebook PCs.

Reflecting the rapid growth of the market for smartphones and tablet PCs, demand for aluminum laminated film is surging, as it contributes toward the miniaturization of LIBs. The market for small LIBs using aluminum laminated film is expected to grow, to around 20 billion yen in 2015, twice as large as the market size in 2012.

The advanced battery materials business is positioned as one of the "growth businesses" under the Showa Denko Group's medium-term consolidated business plan PEGASUS. In particular, the Group has a high market share with regard to aluminum laminated films for LIB packaging. With the scheduled expansion, the Group will ensure stable supply of its high-quality aluminum laminated films to meet the growing demand for LIB covering the automotive applications as well.

About Showa Denko

Showa Denko K.K. ('SDK'; TSE: 4004, US: SHWDF) is a major manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving a wide range of fields ranging from heavy industry to the electronic and computer industries. SDK makes petrochemicals (ethylene, propylene), aluminum products (ingots, rods), electronic equipment (hard disks for computers) and inorganic materials (ceramics, carbons). The company has overseas operations and a joint venture with Netherlands-based Montell and Nippon Petrochemicals to make and market polypropylenes. In March 2001, SDK merged with Showa Denko Aluminum Corporation to strengthen the high-value-added fabricated aluminum products operations, and is today developing next-generation optical communications-use wafers. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp .



Source: Showa Denko

Contact:

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK)
IR & PR Office
Phone: +81-3-5470-3235

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