Zeon establishes new company to take over Tohpe’s acrylic rubber business

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Zeon establishes new company to take over Tohpe’s acrylic rubber business

September 16, 2026

RubberWorld

Tokyo, Japan – Zeon Corp. has established Zeon Chemicals Kurashiki Co., Ltd. to take over the acrylic rubber business of its group company, Tohpe Corp.

Zeon established the new company on July 23, 2026. On Aug. 21, Tohpe and Zeon Chemicals Kurashiki signed an absorption-type company split agreement to transfer the acrylic rubber business. Zeon began the required procedures under Japan’s Companies Act on Sept. 3.

The new company is scheduled to begin operations on Oct. 30, 2026, and will serve as a key manufacturing site for Zeon’s specialty rubber business.

Acrylic rubber is a specialty rubber known for its heat resistance. It is used in automotive components such as oil seals and hoses. Zeon currently operates four acrylic rubber manufacturing sites in Japan, the United States and Thailand, giving the company a global supply network.

The restructuring follows Zeon’s May 11 announcement that it would transfer its shares in Tohpe to NATOCO Co., Ltd. as part of a deal to transfer Tohpe’s paints business to the company.

Tohpe’s acrylic rubber business was not included in that transfer and will remain within Zeon’s elastomers business. Zeon said the business has strong synergies with its existing operations and that the new company will allow it to strengthen coordination across those businesses.

Zeon said the move is intended to improve the competitiveness of its specialty rubber operations and strengthen the overall value of the group.

*Source: Rubber World. For reference only.