Zeon Corporation has announced a major expansion of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) production at its Tokuyama Plant in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The company plans to increase manufacturing capacity more than tenfold, responding to surging demand, especially from the lithium-ion battery sector. Construction of the new facility is set to begin in the autumn of 2026, with full operations expected to commence in 2028. The project has received certification from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under its storage battery supply assurance plan.

Originally developed in Japan, carbon nanotubes are recognised for being lightweight and highly conductive, enabling diverse industrial uses. Demand for single-walled carbon nanotubes is rising rapidly because they significantly improve battery energy density and cycle life. Key application areas include electric vehicles, drones, eVTOL aircraft, AI server backup power units, renewable energy storage systems and automation and robotics.

Zeon became the first company globally to successfully mass-produce single-walled carbon nanotubes in 2015, utilising its proprietary Super-Growth Method. The company markets these high-purity nanotubes under the ZEONANO brand, which are known for their large specific surface area and high aspect ratio. To meet strong market demand, Zeon is building a new production line at its existing Tokuyama site, incorporating an advanced version of its original manufacturing process to boost efficiency and product quality.

Under its medium-term business plan, STAGE30, Zeon has identified single-walled carbon nanotubes as a key growth driver for the next phase, aiming to outpace the target market’s compound annual growth rate. The firm has actively expanded its footprint, including an October 2025 investment in Taiwan’s Sino Applied Technology, a startup developing conductive paste. This latest capacity expansion is expected to lay the groundwork for accelerating the development of new applications for the material.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corporation has announced the appointment of Cedric Ratinaud as the new Global Head of Brand, Nissan.

Ratinaud previously served as the Director of Creative and Campaigns for Global Communications at Nissan Motor Corporation, a role he held from April 2024. Prior to that position, he worked as General Manager of INFINITI Global Communications. His background includes two decades in the automotive sector across communications, marketing communications, and brand management roles.

His career at Nissan spans operations across Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Most recently, he served as General Manager of Brand, Marketing, and Communications for Nissan Motor Asia Pacific, operating out of Thailand.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TVS Supply Chain Solutions has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan-based Sankyu Inc. to collaborate across supply chain and engineering services.

As part of the agreement, Sankyu intends to acquire a 0.5 percent equity stake in TVS Supply Chain Solutions, subject to regulatory approvals.

The partnership combines TVS Supply Chain Solutions' logistics network in India with Sankyu's engineering capabilities and corporate connections in Japan. Initial operations will focus on serving manufacturing and industrial clients in India, where over 1,400 Japanese companies operate.

Future plans include expanding joint operations into regions across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and additional international markets where both firms hold established infrastructure.

To manage operations under the agreement, the companies will form a joint steering committee with representatives from both organisations to identify operational opportunities and oversee joint initiatives.

R. Dinesh, Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, said, “This partnership represents an important step in our strategy to strengthen our capabilities and create greater value for customers. Sankyu's engineering expertise and deep relationships across the Japanese industrial ecosystem complement TVS Supply Chain Solutions' integrated supply chain capabilities, strong customer relationships and market presence. We share a strong commitment to long-term value creation, and together we are well positioned to deliver more comprehensive solutions, support the evolving needs of manufacturing and industrial customers, and unlock new growth opportunities across India and other strategic markets.”

Kimihiro Nakamura, President and CEO, Sankyu Inc, said, "Since our inception in 1918, Sankyu has been dedicated to supporting the progress of the manufacturing sector, underpinned by our core philosophy of valuing our people. We are profoundly honoured to enter into this partnership with TVS SCS, an organisation that shares our philosophy and commitment to the highest ethical standards. Our two companies possess a strong strategic alignment, and by integrating and complementing our respective strengths, we look forward to achieving collective growth in the global market and contributing to sustainable industrial development."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Vietnamese automotive company VinFast has expanded the role of its India Chief Executive Officer, Tapan Ghosh, to oversee operations in Indonesia, uniting the company's management structure across both regional markets.

Interestingly, Ghosh becomes Chief Executive Officer for VinFast Operations across both countries, making him the first executive from India to manage multiple markets for the Vietnamese company.

Since joining the Vietnamese brand in 2025 from Hyundai Motor India, Ghosh has managed local manufacturing setups, dealership distribution expansion and product strategies. His new responsibilities will include overseeing the development of a complete knock-down (CKD) assembly operation in Indonesia.

The dual-country manufacturing and distribution setup establishes operational hubs for VinFast across South Asia and Southeast Asia, supporting its strategy to expand production beyond Vietnam.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chinese automotive major Geely Automobile Holdings has announced changes to its board of directors and executive leadership structure, effective 18 August 2026, as part of its succession planning framework.

Li Shu Fu has resigned as Chairman of the Board and Executive Director to focus on other business commitments. He has accepted an appointment as Honorary Chairman for Life, a role outside the formal corporate governance structure. Li remains a controlling shareholder of the company and confirmed that he has no disagreement with the board regarding his departure.

On the other hand, Executive Director An Cong Hui has been appointed Chairman of the Board. The board cited An's operational experience within the group and strategic alignment with the controlling shareholder entity as factors supporting the appointment. Independent non-executive directors will continue to oversee potential conflict management protocols under Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing rules.

Further board adjustments include the resignation of Li Dong Hui, Daniel, from the role of Vice-Chairman. He retains his seat as an Executive Director. Gui Sheng Yue has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and assumed the role of Vice Chairman while remaining an Executive Director.

Following Gui's transition, Executive Director Gan Jia Yue has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Gan assumes responsibility for managing the group's operational activities and executing long-term business objectives.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!