The first Ayabe medical plant began operations in 1998. As the business grew, the second plant was established in 2016. The expansion of the first plant is underway and will be completed in March 2025. The investment in medical facilities has reached 3.5 billion yen.
Gunze is set to construct a third medical plant and expand its R&D laboratory in Ayabe, Kyoto, with an expected completion date in February 2025.
This expansion aims to increase production of TENALEAF, meeting growing demand and enhancing the efficient production system.
The investment will accelerate the growth of Gunze’s medical business.
The main purposes of expanding the medical R&D facility are to strengthen the development capabilities of next-generation products and efficient mass production and to make the working environment more efficient, comfortable, and creative by setting up an open office for technical personnel where they can interact with others more freely and closely, the company said in a press release.
The new third plant will achieve an environmental performance rating of B+ or higher under the Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) certification as striving to reduce CO2 emissions through the use of high-efficiency air conditioning and solar power generation.
Gunze promotes company-wide activities to reduce the environmental impact of its business activities, strive for environmentally friendly management, and contribute to the development of the local community by revitalising the economy and creating new employment opportunities in Kyoto.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)