We deeply apologize to our neighbors, business partners, and all other concerned parties for any inconvenience and concern caused by the fire that broke out on July 12, 2023 at our Eurecat plant.

The following details are known as of 9:00 a.m., July 27. (The date and time of the fire announced in the first report have been revised as follows)



Fire Situation

(1) Date and time of fire and subsequent response

July 12 (Wed.) around 1:30 p.m. Fire broke out

July 12 (Wed.) 2:31 p.m. Firefighters confirmed that the fire was under control.

July 13 (Thu.) 9:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., On-site inspection by the government



(2) Location

Eurecat Plant, Nippon Ketjen Corporation, 366-20, Otsu Isoura-cho, Niihama, Ehime, Japan

Exhaust gas treatment facility (wet type electrostatic precipitator)



(3) Human casualties

No human casualties were reported as a result of the fire.



(4) Environmental impact

There was no environmental impact as a result of the fire.



Causes and Effects, etc.

(1) Cause of fire

The fire started in a wet type electrostatic precipitator in the exhaust gas treatment facility.

The cause of the fire is presumed to be "poor contact between the collecting electrode plates and the grounding plate. Abnormal voltage was generated locally between the collecting electrode plate and the ground plate, causing the nearby collecting electrode plate (material: CFRP carbon fiber reinforced plastic) to overheat and catch fire.



(2) Damage to facilities and expected restoration

The wet type electrostatic precipitator and ancillary equipment at the waste gas treatment facility were damaged by the fire, and the restoration schedule is undecided at this time. Other than these facilities, there was no other major damage.



(3) Impact on production and shipments

There is no impact of the fire on products currently in storage or used catalysts.

There is no impact on shipments for the current fiscal year. If any significant impact is expected for the next fiscal year, we will promptly notify relevant customers.