Mitsubishi Rayon Plans Houston Plant

HOUSTON —  Mitsubishi Rayon Co., a leading Japanese chemical company, said it plans to open a facility at the Bayport Industrial Park.

Dianal America Inc., a fully owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Rayon, will specialize in production of acrylic specialty polymers, used in production of toners for copy machines, inks, adhesives and paints.

The first Japanese chemical plant opened six years ago in the Bayport Industrial Park, along the Houston Ship Channel near Pasadena, said John Brock, president of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Economic Development Division.

Houston now is the only American city with six such facilities, he said. The others are Kaneka Texas Corp., Evalca, Zeon Chemicals Texas Inc., Nisseki Chemical Texas Inc., and Arakawa Chemical Industries Inc.

Construction of the Dianal facility is expected to begin in July, with production beginning in mid-1991.

“This is a unique situation that will greatly benefit Houston’s economy and job market,” said Saadat Syal, an Economic Development Division vice president.

“In addition, every job created at the actual chemical plant site will create another five more jobs in the community in construction, supplies and services.”

Houston was chosen over other cities because of the availability of its petrochemical infrastructure, port facilities and human resource capabilities, said Yataro Nagai, president of Mitsubishi Rayon.