Sumitomo Rubber doubling rubber gloves capacity in Malaysia

Kobe, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. is aiming to double its rubber gloves output in Malaysia as demand for the products grows amid the Covid-19 global pandemic. 

The company is planning to invest Yen150 million (€1.2 million) in a new production line for thin nitrile rubber gloves at its existing factory in Sungai Petani, in northern Malaysia, a company spokesman told ERJ.

Set for operation in May 2021, the new line will raise production capacity to 2 million pair a month, said the spokesman in a written statement 18 Aug. 

The products are destined for Japan for domestic use, but Sumitomo will seek to export gloves from the factory to other countries in the future.