Evonik, Taiyo Nippon Sanso terminate monosilane manufacturing in Japan

Evonik headquarters in Germany.

ESSEN, GERMANY: Evonik Industries and Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC), partners in manufacturing of monosilanes in Yokkaichi (Japan), are terminating their joint activities effective September 30, 2012 and will commence the closing procedure of the plant immediately after the end of production. Evonik will receive around €200 million from a settlement with TNSC on the termination of the monosilane supply contract. A social plan for the up to 55 employees affected by the shutdown is in the making. Some of them will have the opportunity to work for Evonik in Japan.

TNSC and Evonik started their collaboration in April 2009. However, the sales markets for monosilanes have changed drastically in Japan. The thin-layer photovoltaic cells market has collapsed sharply and the Japanese market for LCD flat screens has decreased rapidly. Due to the difficult market situation, TNSC has terminated the supply contract with Evonik, making the continuation of operations at the Yokkaichi plant for Evonik no longer reasonable, informed the companies.

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