Kuraray at the Washington Works. The company makes specialty chemicals, fibers and resins used in numerous applications. (Photo Provided)

WASHINGTON, W.Va – A global perspective and nearly 100 years in business aids Kuraray’s ability to innovate and serve its customers, the Washington Works plant manager said.

“Being part of a company approaching its 100th anniversary gives our Washington Works team access to technical expertise, research capabilities and market insights from around the world,” Plant Manager Jason Ware said.

For example, the company’s Advanced Interlayer Solutions business unit operates six manufacturing sites, two research and development labs, and sales offices in more than 20 countries, he said.

“We bring together perspectives from our subsidiaries and customers across multiple continents, strengthening our ability to innovate and respond to customer needs,” Ware said. “For our employees, it opens doors to professional growth and collaboration with colleagues worldwide. That kind of knowledge-sharing, developed over nearly a century, makes us stronger locally and globally.”

Kuraray makes specialty chemicals, fibers and resins used in numerous applications including some out of this world. Its VECTRAN liquid crystal polymer fiber was used in the airbag landing systems in NASA’s Mars Pathfinder and the Spirit and Opportunity rovers. It also has used aerospace applications including inflatable structures developed by customers Lockheed Martin and ILC Dover.

The Washington Works plant in Washington Bottom. (File Photo)

“Yes, we have developed new markets, and the process starts with staying close to our customers. We pay attention to where industries are heading, how regulations are evolving and the challenges our customers face,” he said. “From there, we evaluate how our technical capabilities can address those needs.”

An example is the advanced interlayer portfolio that has expanded the use of glass as a structural building material, such as glass railings and security glazing.

“We invest heavily in R&D and work collaboratively with customers early in the process. It’s an approach we’ve refined over 100 years: Develop solutions before they’re urgently needed rather than playing catch-up,” he said.

Helping customers develop new uses and applications starts with understanding their challenges, Ware said. Kuraray sees itself as a partner, not just a supplier, to help customers develop new uses and applications, he said.

“Our technical teams work alongside customers to understand their challenges and develop tailored solutions,” Ware said. “This could include sharing materials science expertise, helping navigate evolving regulations, or collaborating on product development to meet priorities such as recyclability. We invest in R&D so we can help solve problems that existing materials can’t address.”

The Washington Works is among six global manufacturing sites for the Advanced Interlayer Solutions division, producing the interlayer films used in laminated safety glass for automotive and architectural applications around the world. Washington Works has an onsite team of less than 50 members and manufactures PVB resin that supply the PVB film lines around the world.

Other companies at the Washington Works include Chemours, a spinoff from the original DuPont, and Celanese Corp., whose purchase of DuPont’s Mobility and Materials Division in November 2022. Kuraray came to the site in 2014.

“Like many manufacturers, we monitor trade policy developments closely. Our domestic manufacturing presence, with nearly 80% of our products made on American soil across eight facilities in Texas, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, helps us maintain a reliable supply for customers,” Ware said. “That footprint gives us the flexibility to serve our customers even when global trade dynamics shift. Our priority is investing in our workforce, strengthening our operations, and building lasting relationships with customers and the communities where we operate.”

Policies that encourage investment in domestic manufacturing and workforce development are important and regulatory clarity helps, too, he said.

“When companies can plan with confidence, they’re more likely to make long-term investments. We stay engaged through organizations like the American Chemistry Council to advocate for policies that support industry growth while also benefiting workers and communities,” Ware said. “It’s about finding the right balance.”

The Washington Works is an important part of the company’s U.S. footprint, “and we’re proud of the team here,” Ware said.

“As we mark our centennial in 2026, we are maintaining our strong foundation, focused on safety of our employees, operations efficiency and reliability,” he said.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.