In order to respond quickly to customer requirements for local production in the automotive field in Southeast Asia, Panasonic will start production of phenolic molding compounds in Thailand. Sample shipments will start from December 2015.

OSAKA, Japan--(Antara/BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic Corporation’s Automotive & Industrial Systems Company will launch a production line for heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds [1] for use in automotive parts at Panasonic Manufacturing Ayutthaya Co., Ltd. (PMFAT). Full-scale operation is scheduled to start in February 2016. The production of these materials in Thailand represents an industry first*.

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* For heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds; Panasonic survey

With demand in the automotive field expected to grow in Southeast Asia, numerous automotive and molding parts makers are expanding their production in the region, with many setting up purchase, R&D, and production functions at their major sites in Thailand. Panasonic will start producing heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds at PMFAT to provide efficient services close to its clients and to enhance its client development support capabilities in Southeast Asia. The company also intends to create and tap into new global demand for heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds.

Panasonic’s heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds

  • Heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds are used as insulators in items such as automotive electric system components and structural parts.
  • Our materials have the following features:
Possessing both high heat resistance and strength, they are well suited for use in motor and vehicle parts.
With excellent dimensional stability in high-temperature environments, they are ideal for high-reliability motor commutators [2].
Able to realize weight reduction of motor cover parts, etc., by replacing some or all metal parts.
  • With the production launch in Thailand, Panasonic will have three production sites for heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds, the other two sites being in Japan (Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture) and China (Shanghai City)



Company Profile
Company Name Panasonic Manufacturing Ayutthaya Co., Ltd.
Location Rojana Industrial Park, 1/69 Moo 5 Rojana Road, Tambol Kanham Amphur Uthai, Ayutthaya, Thailand 13210
Establishment September 1994
Capital 2,406 million Thai baht
Representative Hideki Okabe (Managing Director)
Major Production Items Semiconductor encapsulation materials, thermosetting molding compounds, engineering plastics, paper phenolic circuit board materials, wiring devices, heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds for automotive parts (Production to start in February 2016)


Glossary

[1] Heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds
Phenolic molding compounds having excellent heat resistance, dimensional stability, electrical insulation properties, and mechanical strength.

[2] Motor commutator
A motor component that switches the direction of the DC current flowing through the coils that rotate between field magnets, to produce unidirectional torque. Many automotive motor commutators use heat-resistant phenolic molding compounds that exhibit excellent electrical insulation properties between the metal shaft and metal segments (contact points), as well as outstanding mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, enterprise solutions, and device industries. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates 468 subsidiaries and 94 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.715 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2015. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/global

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Contacts

Media Contacts:
Public Relations Department
Panasonic Corporation
Tel: +81-(0)3-3574-5664 Fax: +81-(0)3-3574-5699
Panasonic News Bureau
Tel: +81-(0)3-3542-6205 Fax: +81-(0)3-3542-9018


Source: Panasonic Corporation

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Editor: PR Wire
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