JX Nippon Oil to make Kawasaki key R&D lab for performance chemicals  

Japans JX Nippon Oil and Energy Corp. has decided to position its Kawasaki works as its central base for performance chemicals and is studying the transfer of process technology development from its central technical research laboratory, located next to its Negishi refinery, to Kawasaki at an unspecified time, to accelerate new business development. The company has placed expansion of its business in petrochemical products as one of the cornerstones of its growth strategy, alongside its overseas business in lubricants and its new-energy business. It aims to realize ¥15 billion (US$177.84 million) in profits from its performance chemicals by Fiscal 2015. (August 20, 2010)