Sumitomo Rubber turning off domestic gas hose business

Hyogo, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has announced plans to exit the household gas hose business as demand continues to decline for the products.

SRI currently manufactures rubber hoses and related products for distribution of LPG and 'city gas', at its plant in Kakogawa, Hyogo prefecture.

Under the withdrawal plan, the Japanese group will gradually reduce production and shipments, with the aim of completely exiting the business by March 2025.

SRI cited declining demand for the decision, noting that electrification around the kitchen, including all-electric homes had contributed to a decline in the market.

Furthermore, it noted, reduced gas usage due to improvements in the performance of air conditioners and other heating equipment had also impacted demand.

SRI said will reassign employees involved in the production of its gas hose products elsewhere within the group.

The impact of withdrawal from the business on consolidated results is expected to be minor, according to SRI's 3 Oct announcement.