SEKISUI S-LEC was the first Japanese company to set up operations at the Chemelot site in Geleen. SEKISUI S-LEC decided last year to establish its European research center at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. “The partnership between companies, government and knowledge institutes is unique,” general manager Masashi Yanai says in explaining this remarkable step.
The ‘landing’ at Chemelot and at the campus was not SEKISUI S-LEC’s first achievement in Europe or even in the Netherlands. The Japanese multinational had already built a plant in Roermond back in 1997 to manufacture special interlayer film for laminated glass windows for the automotive and architecture industry, which provides safety, noise reduction, UV cut, heat reduction and HUD (Head up display) etc.
Combination
With the growth of the number of customers in Europe, the company’s need for its own raw materials manufacturing facility became increasingly more urgent.When DSM opened its doors, SEKISUI S-LEC was one of the first candidates to walk through.
SEKISUI need to set up raw material plant close to their film production plant in Roermond. Chemelot site is a good combination because this area is one of the largest chemical industry side in Europe and close to existing Roermond film plant. In fact, they are expanding their production capacity in both Roermond and Geleen. SEKISUI is setting up an extra line at both locations, which is necessary to serve the growing automotive sector. Moreover, there is an increasing demand for the films for applications in the building and construction industry. SEKISUI is also working on other new promising products. This location here makes it easy for SEKISUI to supply a large part of Western Europe quickly and efficiently.
Open innovation
Even though it would seem logical to locate the Research activities inside the headquarters and/or factories. “This is quite unusual in Japanese corporate culture,” Masashi Yanai explains. SEKISUI made two big challenges. The one is to set up Global Marketing Centre in Europe instead of Japan. The second challenge is to set it up European Research Centre outside of their European plan or HQ. For innovation, we need external factors to get inspired to create new ideas. At Brightlands Chemelot Campus, we can access many scientists and knowledge institutes which could help SEKISUI with any necessary research. Open innovation is a central theme here at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, which provides shared facilities and knowledge network. Companies work together where possible, with one another and with students and scientists. Of course, IP is protected between partners. I never seen such open innovation environment and circumstance.”
Safe
In spite of this, Masashi Yanai, having previously worked at Mitsubishi Motors NedCar, managed to convince the board in Tokyo to opt for the Geleen model. “We know the culture and we know how things work here. We trust each other, but the campus system is also set up in such a way that IP is safe. I am convinced that we benefit from the open culture and from the knowledge of the thousands of specialists here at the site. You won’t find this system anywhere else in Europe, not even in Germany, where we have several branches. This is what makes it so unique. It’s good to shift your view outwards, and to collaborate with people from education. We are also involved in various networks, we are getting to know the markets better and, above all, what the trends are. There are still a lot of gain to be made for our films in the automotive sector. It has been integrated sound and heat control function which increase comfort not only driver but also all passenger. Last year we announced a film that is specially designed for the projection of information for future car HMI. We are still further developing new functionalities for the future. The films definitely play a role in this and in the transition to sustainability.”
Central Location in the market
Even though, the heart of the automotive industry is in Germany. A large part if Western Europe is easily accessible from Limburg, including France, United Kingdom and Scandinavia. Limburg is centrally located and has good connections by car. Further, it is possible to access several airports such as Dusseldorf or Brussels.”
Soft side
And then there’s another factor that Masashi Yanai likes to mention. “Call it the soft side,” he says. “Most of the population speaks English, not only in the companies but also in their daily life, like families. Additionally, the government helps where they can and gives us tons of support. There are international schools and even a Japanese school. The Japanese community is growing steadily. We feel at home here.”
SEKISUI S-LEC does not rule out the possibility of more Japanese companies ending up in Limburg. “It’s great that Mitsui Chemicals is coming here. Europe is an important market with a lot of innovative strength and potential. This is where the opportunities for advanced research and development lie. The Triple Helix partnership model between business, education and government is important in this respect.”
Brightlands Chemelot Campus is attracting more and more foreign entrepreneurs. These are startups, but also large established multinationals from Japan for example. Following the examples set by Sekisui S-LEC and Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics, MitsuiChemicals will also come to Geleen this year with its own research center and a production facility. The three superpowers all cite the same reasons for coming to Limburg: the complete ecosystem with facilities and permits, availability of highly educated people and the central location in Europe. Our newsletter editors paid them a visit. In the comings weeks we will share their stories with you. Keep an eye on our socials for the next stories.
Next week’s story: Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics
