As the company that established Japan's first benzene distillation plant in 1914, Honshu Chemical Industry (HCI) is renowned in the country as a pioneering fine chemical specialist. A hundred years later, combining its innovative spirit with a strong research and development drive, HCI is still at the forefront in providing high-quality products across industrial sectors. HCI's history is marked with many breakthroughs, as it is also the first company to succeed in industrialising aniline, a benzene derivative in Japan. "Being innovative is at the core of our company philosophy," says Yoshiyuki Funakoshi, president and CEO. "We will continue to create a brighter future for the company and our clients." HCI utilises original manufacturing technologies to produce biphenol, photoresist materials, special bisphenol and vitamin E raw materials. The company employs stringent manufacturing standards to ensure the purity, stability and safety of chemicals and resins. Employing environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, HCI ensures a sustainable future for itself and for its clients. Working with companies from the information technology, automotive, medical and other various sectors, HCI can tailor its products according to client specifications for various applications. Aside from modifying chemicals and resins, HCI also supports clients in their overseas expansion plans. HCI ensures continuous supply for clients wherever they establish operations. For instance, HCI provides vitamin E raw materials for a company that supplies poultry and swine feed additives to China and Europe. "We supply the materials from Japan, but we are open to constructing manufacturing bases in regions where there is an increased demand," Funakoshi says. Through subsidiary company Hi-Bis, HCI established a manufacturing facility in Germany as a local production base of special bisphenol in Europe for clients such as Bayer. To reinforce HCI's strategy of establishing a global scope, the company is continuously seeking talents with advanced knowledge in the fine chemical industry. Honshu Chemical Industry www.honshuchemical.co.jp