KOBE, Japan—Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. is aiming to double its rubber gloves output in Malaysia as demand for the products grows amid the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The company is planning to invest $1.4 million in a new production line for thin nitrile rubber gloves at its existing factory in Sungai Petani, in northern Malaysia, a company spokesman told ERJ.
Set for operation in May 2021, the new line will raise production capacity to 2 million pairs a month, the spokesman said in a written statement on Aug. 18.
The products are destined for Japan for domestic use, but Sumitomo will seek to export gloves from the factory to other countries in the future.