“MiniFibers is an industry-leading, raw material fiber specialist that has strong relationships with staple yarn spinners, which are critical to our success,” said Matthew Reid, industrial market manager for Vectran at Kuraray. “By signing this agreement with us, MiniFibers has demonstrated its commitment to our product. We are grateful for their partnership and believe it will pave the way for other companies to follow suit to ensure the Vectran brand is strategically upheld throughout the marketplace.”

Kuraray and MiniFibers, Inc., sign trademark agreement for Vectran™. Pictured from left to right: Toshiaki Kobayashi, Supervising Manager, Industrial Materials Research and Development Department, Kuraray, Inc.; John Garner, Director of Textiles, MiniFibers Inc.; Naoki Inoue, Section Manager, Functional Materials Department, Kuraray Inc.; Kerry Keith, President/CEO of MiniFibers, Inc.; and Matt Reid, Industrial Market Manager for Vectran at Kuraray America, Inc.

Vectran fiber is a high-performance, multifilament yarn spun from liquid crystal polymer. It is known for its exceptional strength and rigidity. Pound for pound, Vectran is five times stronger than steel and 10 times stronger than aluminum.

In addition to the agreement, Reid said MiniFibers has pledged its support to help Kuraray monitor the Vectran brand in the market and report any misuses so they can be properly addressed.

To learn more about Vectran™, visit www.vectranfiber.com.

About Kuraray
Founded in 1926, Kuraray is a world leader in performance-based polymer and specialty materials technologies, including resins, chemicals, fibers, and textiles. The Company operates many subsidiaries around the world, including Kuraray America, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Kuraray Group is committed to developing new fields of business using pioneering technology that improves the environment and enhances the quality of life throughout the world. To learn more about Kuraray, visit www.kuraray.com.

General Media Contact:
McKenna Parr
Griffin Communications Group
McKenna@griffincg.com
281-335-0200