Impact of Kanto-Tohoku earthquake on operations of Mitsui Chemicals

JAPAN: Mitsui Chemicals extends its sincerest sympathy to all persons affected by the Kanto-Tohoku Earthquake of March 11, 2011.

The Mitsui Chemicals Group reports the following effects of the Kanto-Tohoku earthquake on its operations.

Personnel
The Group reports no casualties or injuries at any of its operations within the earthquake affected area. The Group continues to confirm whether any off-duty employees or their families have been affected by the earthquake. The Group will continue to place priority on supporting employees and their families affected by the earthquake.

Operations
a. Kashima Works (Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture)

Production at polyurethane material plants has been suspended since the earthquake.
Operations will be resumed after assessment of damage by the earthquake and tsunami.

b. Ichihara Works (Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture)

Production at ethylene plants is according to schedule.

Operations at Mitsui DuPont Polychemicals and Chiba Phenol plants have been suspended since the earthquake. After assessing effect of scheduled “rolling” blackout, operations will be resumed.

c. Mobara Branch Factory (Mobara City, Chiba Prefecture)

Operations at acrylamide and paint toner binder resin plants have been suspended since the earthquake. After assessing effect of scheduled “rolling” blackout, operations will be resumed.

All other facilities are operating according to schedule.

“Rolling” blackout
Mitsui Chemicals will fully co-operate with the Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) scheduled “rolling” blackout plan that is being initiated to stabilize power supply which is in shortage due to severe damage by the Kanto-Tohoku Earthquake to nuclear power stations and transmission facilities.

For works located in scheduled “rolling” blackout areas, Mitsui Chemicals will continue its ongoing power reduction efforts while making full use of self-generation systems to minimize the effects of the scheduled blackouts.

The Mitsui Chemicals Group will undertake maximum relief efforts to fully support the early recovery of victims of the Kanto-Tohoku Earthquake.