TOKYO—Shin-Etsu Chemical plans to set up a research and development center in New Jersey and increase capacity of silicone monomer and polymer production at its Thailand plant in Rayong province.
The firm said annual production of silicone monomer is projected to reach 105,000 tons, up from about 70,000 tons currently. Silicone polymer production is set to increase to 74,000 tons, from 54,000 tons.
Shin-Etsu said it plans to invest about $170 million in the expansion with construction of the facilities is scheduled for completion in 2017. The firm said its expansion is in response to growing global demand.
Its technical center in New Jersey is also designed to meet U.S. demand for silicone products and work on the development of new applications.
Shin-Etsu did not disclose how much it plans to invest in the new technical center.
The Japanese chemicals company operates silicone polymer plants in Texas and Ohio and that its silicones holds about a 50 percent market share in Japan.