Toray celebrates 30th anniversary

NORTH KINGSTOWN – Thirty years ago, Toray Industries, of Japan, founded Toray Plastics (America) Inc. in Rhode Island to grow its American presence for the company’s global brands.
Today, the company has three divisions, two of which are at its 70-acre campus in Quonset Business Park, Torayfan Polypropylene Film and Lumirror Polyester Film. It also operates the Toraypef Foams Division, in Front Royal, Va.
The manufacturer, which has nearly 700 employees, makes polyester, polypropylene, bio-based and metallized films for flexible and rigid packaging, lidding, graphic, industrial, optical and electronic applications. It also manufactures polyolefin, polypropylene and polyethylene foams for the automotive and flooring industries, according to information from Toray.
Toray also simultaneously planned and implemented its environmental program, which includes the state’s largest solar farm, as well as two cogeneration plants. It also focuses on water conservation and extensive recycling.
Toray also noted its support of higher education, and how it last year committed $2 million dollars toward the University of Rhode Island’s new College of Engineering campus, slated for completion in 2018, in addition to its support of internship programs and undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
“Most businesses never achieve this milestone,” Mike Brandmeier, president and CEO, said about the 30th anniversary. “That we have thrived is a testament to the expertise, mindset and commitment of our people, and the relationships we have cultivated with business, government, educational and nonprofit organizations in our communities. We are grateful for the opportunities we’ve had and look forward to discovering what the next 30 years will bring.”