Kuraray Europe (Hattersheim, Germany; www.kuraray.eu), a wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese speciality chemicals company Kuraray (Tokyo; www.kuraray.co.jp), has opened a new subsidiary in Spain to strengthen the group’s business on the Iberian Peninsula.

Based in Malaga with a staff of six initially, Kuraray Europe Spain opened on 1 January 2024, and is set to primarily serve as an administrative centre, supporting local employees and coordinating activities in the region. 

Related: Kuraray plans EVOH expansion in Belgium, US

Commenting on the move, Antonio Velardo, general manager of Kuraray Europe Spain, said, “The opening of the KES office in Malaga is a strategic step to strengthen our presence in one of the most dynamic regions in Europe.” He added that the new office’s location close to the airport “ensures optimal accessibility for our customers and partners”.

Kuraray Europe was founded in 1991. With more than 830 employees at the Hattersheim, Frankfurt, and Troisdorf locations in Germany, sales of EUR 1.3 bn were achieved in 2022. The Japanese parent company employs more than 11,700 people worldwide, with recent sales of EUR 5.5 bn.

Polymers and synthetic microfibres are produced, including EVOH, polyvinyl alcohols (PVOH), PVB granules, and window glass intermediate films made of polyvinyl butyral.