Kuraray's MonoSol breaks ground for water-soluble film production facility at Duneland site in Portage, Indiana; facility to be constructed in three phases, with first phase to be operational in late 2016, providing approximately 15% capacity increase

Elyse Blye

PORTAGE, Indiana , July 1, 2014 (press release) – MonoSol LLC, A Kuraray Company, the world leader in water - soluble delivery systems, has broken ground for their new high-tech production facility, Duneland Site, in Portage’s Ameriplex at the Port. Mayor James E. Snyder was joined by MonoSol CEO and Division head/Kuraray WS Film Divisi on, P. Scott Bening, Keiji Murakami, Director / Primary Executive of the Vinyl Acetate Company of Kuraray, several other MonoSol staff members along with several dignitaries from the City of Portage and State of Indiana for the brief ground breaking ceremony.

This new production facility will feed the growing global demand for all water-soluble film products, as MonoSol takes a large integration step as the core of the Kuraray WS Film Division. It will be constructed in three phases with the first phase scheduled to be operational in late 2016 with an approximate 15 % capacity increase with the final phase complete by the end of 2020. When fully operational, the plant will create at least 150 new jobs . Hiring will commence mid-2015 for the 2016 opening. The Ross Group has been retained as the general contractor for the project.

“As a member of the global Kuraray team, we examined locations in several continents for this expansion.” said P. Scott Bening, CEO of M onoSol. “Portage, Indiana was chosen over several European locations and other North America locations in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Our roots, natural resource availability, workforce confidence, relationships with service providers and the support fr om the State of Indiana and City of Portage tipped the scales. Mayor James Snyder and his team did a great job coordinating the necessary supporters. The State stepped up and assisted with a competitive incentive package as well. We are blessed with a grea t team of people who started in Portage in 1953, expanding to LaPorte, Europe and now finding cause to build even more back in Portage.” said Mr. Bening. “This region is full of ‘can do’ individuals and we are proud to be a part of the community.”

“Portage cannot express its gratitude nor the honor of being chosen by MonoSol as its new growth location.” stated Portage Mayor James E. Snyder.“ We truly believe this company represents the very essence of what Portage strives to bring its resi dents in new job opportunities. Portage has the best team in Economic Development Director Fitzer and Redevelopment Commission Director John Shepherd who worked hard to earn this opportunity for the ever promising future of Portage.”

Further, Mayor Snyder said “CEO Scott Bening and the MonoSol team are committed to participating in our youth training program in Portage schools and this project will be instrumental in helping them find quality employees and our students finding quality jobs that will keep some of our finest in Portage.” “MonoSol’s humble beginning s started in Portage and we have insured that in Portage we will be instrumental in their incredible future. This is truly one of Portage’s finest achievements on many levels.”

About MonoSol, LLC, a Kuraray company Since 1953, MonoSol LLC has been a leader in specialty water-soluble polymer-based films.

MonoSol offers a wide range of water - soluble delivery systems for unit-dose applications for consumer, agricultural chemicals and industrial products, as well as additional films, solutions and compounds. MonoSol joined Kuraray Co., Ltd , a global specialty chemical company, in mid - 2012 and is now the cornerstone of the WS Film Division . Kur aray was established in 1926 and in 1950 became the first in the world to bring polyvinyl alcohol synthetic fiber to market. Since that milestone, Kuraray has used its pr oprietary technology in the area of polymer chemistry and synthetic chemistry to develop resins, chemicals, fibers, textiles and others. Together, MonoSol and Kuraray provide innovati ve solutions for its customers. A global network of dedicated partners i s maintain ed to offer sales, service and technical support to its worldwide customer base.

For more information, visit www.monosol.com and www.kuraray.co.jp/en.

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