The business environment for the Toyobo Group during the first half of
fiscal 2011, ended March 31, 2011, was characterized by gradual
recovery in industrial production and private capital investment driven
by exports in Japan and elsewhere against a background of recovery in
overseas economies, especially China. However, in the latter half of
fiscal 2011, uncertainty regarding economic trends increased suddenly
because of the appreciation of the yen, sharp increases in raw material
prices and fuel costs, and the occurrence of the Great East Japan
Earthquake in March. Amid this operating environment, the Toyobo
Group aims to become “The category leader for providing new value in
the environment, life science, and high-function products fields.” In
the environment field, Toyobo’s water treatment membranes were selected
for a new world-scale desalination plant in the Gulf Cooperation
Council of the Middle East, and the Company launched new products,
including film for solar cell backsheets, a polyamide resin with a
high-melting-point made from biomass, and other products. In the life
science field, Toyobo took initiatives to expand sales of new products,
including its automated gene analyzer and other equipment. In the field
of high-function products for LCDs and other electronic components,
automotive products, and other items, the Company worked to expand its
business activities globally, including expanding sales of
high-function polymers in the rest of Asia.
As a result, consolidated net sales for the subject fiscal year
increased ¥21.8 billion (6.8%) from the previous fiscal year to ¥340.6
billion, with operating income up ¥9.4 billion (82.1%) to ¥20.9
billion, and net income of ¥4.2 billion.
