AWA PAPER & TECHNOLOGICAL COMPANY, Inc. (3896) Stock Price

Awa Paper manufactures and sells functional paper and nonwoven fabrics. Founded in 1916 as a machine-made Japanese paper manufacturer, the company has grown by providing products that meet the needs of each era. Today, through joint development with partner companies, Awa Paper continues to develop customized products and accumulate new materials and manufacturing expertise to meet customer needs.

Awa Paper's business is divided into three segments: automotive materials, water treatment materials, and general industrial materials. In the automotive segment, the company manufactures and sells engine filter media, friction material base paper for clutch plates, and separator base paper for lead-acid batteries. These products are essential to automotive powertrains and contribute to improved fuel efficiency and exhaust gas purification.

In water treatment materials, Awa Paper provides nonwoven fabrics for membrane support, immersed membranes, and membrane units. These products are widely used in infrastructure applications such as seawater desalination and wastewater treatment, contributing to water resource conservation and efficient use. In particular, immersed membranes for MBR systems support water recycling.

In general industrial materials, the company manufactures and sells functional paper for food and electrical and electronic components. Food-grade functional paper is used as packaging material for oxygen absorbers that maintain freshness in processed foods, while functional paper for electrical and electronic components serves as thermal insulation and heat dissipation materials in electronic equipment. The company also provides heat-resistant cushioning materials used as process paper for heat-resistant pressing applications.

Awata Paper pursues the potential of paper and seeks new combinations with diverse functional materials to provide products and services in harmony with the environment, contributing to humanity and society. The company aims to be world-leading in its unique products, technologies, and services while advancing initiatives toward a sustainable society.

The company's growth strategy is based on three core principles: "opening new markets and expanding business domains," "pursuing competitive advantages for core products in global markets," and "achieving both SDG goals and high profitability." Through these efforts, the company aims to develop next-generation core products and establish production systems to expand its business domains.

In its Fourth Medium-Term Management Plan, Awata Paper prioritizes "optimization of business portfolio" and "strengthening management foundations through full utilization of intellectual capital." The company is advancing expansion of flagship products, development of new products, restructuring of domestic production systems, and strengthening of human capital to drive sustained improvement in corporate value.

The company has begun operations at a new factory to strengthen production capacity and supply systems. It is also reinforcing supply systems for separation membrane supports to expand market share in global markets. The company is focusing on expanding sales of fire-resistant and insulation products for the new energy vehicle market.

Awata Paper is strengthening its research and development systems and promoting co-creative development with external research institutions and customers. This enables parallel execution of product design and process development, reducing development time and accelerating market entry. The company is also working to reduce environmental impact.

To strengthen its human foundation for sustained growth, the company prioritizes securing and retaining talent as a critical issue. Through enhanced recruitment communications and review of systems and development environments, the company is building its foundation. It is fostering an organizational culture that draws out employees' growth aspirations and supports their challenges.