Tokyo Kasei to build distribution centre on Left Bank

The Japanese chemical company Tokyo Kasei is going to build its own di
stribution and packing centre in the Port of Antwerp. In so doing it i
s following the example of two other Japanese chemical companies, Kura
ray and Nippon Shokubai, which have already built plants on Antwerp’s
Left Bank.
Tokyo Kasai produces fine chemicals and has three manufacturing outlet
s in Japan and an American factory in Portland. The additional site wi
ll enable the company to provide its European customers with a better
service. The choice eventually fell on Antwerp because of the already
very strong presence of the chemical sector in the port zone and also
because of the availability of qualified staff.
The company has earmarked 130 million BEF (3.22 million) for the Antwe
rp centre. Initially the activities will be limited to the distributio
n - after possible mixing and repackaging - of the products that Toky
o Kasei produces in its other factories or buys in from third parties.
The company expects to employ about thirty people to do this work. Pr
oduction in Antwerp is certainly not ruled out in the longer term.