The Adhesive Solutions business segment of specialty materials firm Arkema, Bostik, announced the startup of its new industrial adhesives plant in Nara, Japan, on Thursday. The facility is operated by a joint venture between Bostik and Nitta.

“We are very pleased with the successful startup of this new plant, the first one in Japan for Bostik. The geographical expansion of our production capacity to support the growth of our customers is a core part of our strategy to become a leading global player,” Vincent Legros, executive vice president of Bostik, said in a statement.

Bostik’s new plant will support its growth in the disposable hygiene sector in Japan and boost its capacity for several industrial adhesives, according to a Arkema release. New production lines were installed at the Nara facility to manufacture adhesives used in non-woven products like diapers and hygiene products and adhesives for the packaging, transportation, and electronics markets.

“This local presence combined with our global expertise in adhesives will allow us to become more responsive and improve customer intimacy in the Asian region, thereby meeting their specific needs in some of the most demanding sectors in terms of both quality and innovation,” said Motoki Ohno, head of the Bostik-Nitta JV, in the release.

Arkema currently owns 80% of the joint venture. The opening of the new facility is part of its efforts to hone its focus on specialty materials by 2024.

Earlier this year, Arkema said it was moving forward on plans to purchase Fixatti, a manufacturer of thermobonding adhesive powders to support the Bostik business.