Toagosei (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Turning chemistry’s wonders into future inspiration

Toagosei Co., Ltd. widely known for the instant adhesive Aron Alpha®, is a diversified chemicals manufacturer. Established in 1942 in Japan, producing industrial materials for B2B occupies the largest portion of the company’s business. They manufacture and distribute basic chemical raw materials such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), acrylic chemical products like ultraviolet cure resin, pressure-sensitive adhesive and its raw materials, and advanced inorganic products like antimicrobial agents.

The company started overseas expansion in 1990 with a joint venture in the US for distribution of Aron Alpha®, and in the following years opened facilities across strategic locations in America and Asia. Toagosei’s Thai entity was established in 2016 with a factory at WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 2 (WHA ESIE 2) in Chonburi becoming the base for a rapidly-growing ASEAN market.

Toagosei now have two factories in Thailand, the first producing water soluble acrylic polymer, and the second producing elastomer. While manufacturing polymer thickeners remains the core business for the company, elastomer (thermoplastics combining the advantages of rubber and plastics) presents a growing opportunity. The company’s philosophy sees endless possibilities in chemistry and seeks to create highly functional materials. Besides establishing factories across Japan and the world, Toagosei has three dedicated research facilities to continue developing new products and applications.

Mr. Ichiro Igarashi, President of Toagosei (Thailand), said that WHA Corporation first presented at an event in Japan, and over time, the two companies have become good working partners. “WHA’s industrial estate is methodically plotted and looks beautiful, and is located near Si Racha city where many Japanese reside, which provides exceptional liveability,” noted Mr. Igarashi. “Also, the supply of industrial water is abundant, and there's low risk of flood.”

He went on to list the benefits of the industrial estate, including a convenient location for logistics with Laem Chabang port nearby, WHA staff being fluent in Japanese, and also providing Toagosei with empathetic care and consultation services for Thailand-specific procedures, such as labor management, environmental regulations, and various kinds of permits and licenses.

Mr. Igarashi has become acclimated to Thai culture, and can understand why so many Japanese companies come to Thailand. With market growth across their key products, plans to train up Thai managers, and further consideration of producing instant adhesives locally, Taogosei continues to build close relationships with stakeholders and eyes a strong future ahead.

Contact information

Mr. Ichiro Igarashi, President

Toagosei (Thailand) Co. Ltd

+66 (0)3 312 6031

http://www.toagosei.co.jp/english/

Remarks: The article was written for WHA Group Newsletter March 2020 Vol. 46