Mitsubishi Paper Mills Launches Takasago Plant Transformation Project

Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd. announced the full-scale launch of its next-generation transformation initiative, known as the “Beyond” project, at its Takasago plant in Hyogo Prefecture, as the company seeks to strengthen its functional materials business and expand global operations.

The company said it plans to invest approximately ¥10 billion in the project, which is intended to transform the 125-year-old Takasago facility into a “global core plant” focused on advanced functional materials. The initiative forms part of Mitsubishi Paper Mills’ medium-term management plan aimed at increasing the profitability of its functional products business.

According to the company, the Takasago plant has historically produced a range of information and imaging media products, including thermal paper, inkjet paper, and carbonless paper, while also expanding into functional materials such as water-treatment membrane substrates and separators for energy storage devices.

Under the project, Mitsubishi Paper Mills aims to raise the share of functional materials in the plant’s sales mix to 50% from 35% in fiscal 2025. The company also targets a 50% increase in plant sales and an operating profit margin above 15%.

The strategy includes investment in growth markets, expansion of development personnel, and reorganization of production lines to improve manufacturing efficiency. For mature information and imaging media businesses, the company plans to integrate equipment and optimize production systems.

Mitsubishi Paper Mills also said the project will include investment in workforce development, workplace safety initiatives, and digital transformation measures designed to improve working conditions and support local employment in the Takasago region.

The Takasago plant, located in the Harima coastal industrial zone, employs 465 people and occupies a site of approximately 114,000 square meters. The facility began operations in Takasago in 1901 and marked its 125th anniversary in 2026.