Teijin has fully transferred the production of its primary polyester-fibre brands to Teijin Polyester (Thailand) (TPL), a subsidiary of Teijin Frontier. TPL, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is now the hub of Teijin’s strategic global polyester-fibre production. Teijin’s international polyester fibre business is supported by FTAs such as the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the ASEAN China Free Trade Agreement and the increasing cooperation within the group, including between Teijin’s bases in Japan and Nantong, China. The company has positioned Thailand as a hub for global operations, including not only polyester materials, but also aramid fibre production and sales and polycarbonate resin sales which are expected to contribute to Teijin’s international business in high-performance materials. Teijin is also expanding its healthcare operations and conducting R&D in advanced medical equipment such as artificial joints, in Thailand. The company plans to leverage Thailand as a core ASEAN base that is expected to create new value for society at large. The Teijin Group announced significant restructuring initiatives, transformation and growth strategies in its Revised Medium-term Management Plan in November 2014. Under this plan, initiatives such as the transfer of polyester filament yarn and staple fibre production from factories in Iwakuni and Tokuyama, Japan to TPL as well as polyester fibre production and processing have been consolidated in Thailand and Matsuyama, Japan. A subsidiary to produce highly heat-resistant and dyeable meta-aramid fibre was incorporate in September 2013 and a tire cord factory was incorporated in June 2014. The Teijin Group currently has nine group companies and some 1,900 employees in Thailand.