Bridgestone to Increase Production Capacity of Adhesive Film for Solar Modules
-Installation of New Production Lines at Seki Plant Will Increase Monthly Production Capacity by 1,200 Tons-

Tokyo (October 14, 2009) - Bridgestone Corporation announced today that it will increase its production capacity of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) film*1, which is used as an adhesive film*2 for solar modules. To meet growing demand for EVA film, Bridgestone will install new production lines at its Seki Plant in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. Currently, Bridgestone’s sole production facility for EVA films is its Iwata Plant in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The addition of the new lines at the Seki Plant will provide a second location for the production of EVA film, which will provide additional capacity as well as enhance to company’s business continuity plan, further strengthening Bridgestone's EVA film supply system. The production capacity at the Seki Plant will be 1,200 tons per month by the second half of 2011, at a total investment of about ¥4.4 billion.

The Seki Plant, Bridgestone's one of four chemical and industrial products plants in Japan, produces high-pressure hose used in hydraulic equipment as well as Push Locks, which are components used in the hot- and cold-water pipe systems in various types of buildings, including single-family and multi-family residences.

In recent years, demand for solar modules has skyrocketed worldwide, and demand is expected to remain firm over the medium to long term, especially in Europe and China. To meet this demand, Bridgestone will consider further production increases in line with projected growth in demand for solar modules.

Through the supply of EVA film, Bridgestone is helping to make green energy more available in the world.

Outline of the Seki Plant;
  1. Representative: Tetsuya Kaji
  2. Location: 20, Shinhazama, Seki-shi, Gifu, Japan
  3. Product: High-pressure hose, Push Locks
  4. Start of Operation: October 1990
  5. Number of Employees: 130 (as of the end of December 2008)
  6. Site Area: 167,000 square meters

  1. *1: EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) film is used to fasten the silicon cell (which converts the sun's rays to electricity) to the glass surface through heat-induced molecular binding. EVA film becomes transparent and colorless upon heating, while its waterproof nature and strength against ultraviolet rays makes it an ideal outdoor adhesive film for solar modules.

  2. *2: Film-type membrane attached to the glass or the back sheet to fix and protect the silicon cell used in the solar module.


<Solar Module which used EVA Film>
<Sample Module>

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Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.