Rogers JV to add PU line in China

ROGERS, Conn. (May 22)—Rogers INOAC Corp., a 50-50 joint venture between Rogers Corp. and INOAC Corp. of Japan, will install a production line for microcellular polyurethane materials at its Suzhou, China, plant by the third quarter of 2004. Based at Rogers Technologies Suzhou Co. Ltd., the unit will make Roger's Poron-branded PU materials, Rogers said. Nagoya, Japan-based Rogers-INOAC aims to meet growing demand for Poron materials in mainland China, according to Toshio Inukai, the company's general manager. The new capacity will relieve pressure on Rogers-INOAC, which is operating close to full capacity, Inukai said in a prepared statement. The companies did not disclose capacity or investment figures.