19 October 2007 - Japanese chemical company Sumitomo Chemical is expanding its resin production capacity for its liquid crystal polymer (LCP) Sumikasuper.

Last year, Sumitomo Chemical boosted production at its Ehime Works, in southern Japan, to 7,000 tonnes.

In its latest announcement, the company plans to push capacity to 9,200tpa, as well building a new facility in China that produces LCP compounds.

The company said demand for Sumikasuper is growing for connectors used in laptop computers and mobile phones.

Automotive applications are also said to be on the increase, such as LCD backlights bobbins and optical pick-up bobbins.