Rayon Factory Supports National Textile Industry in Global Competition

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - The Minister of Industry of Airlangga Hartarto is reviewing the construction of the Asia Pacific Rayon (APR) plant which is the largest integrated rayon factory in Indonesia with an investment of around Rp10.9 trillion and production capacity up to 350,000 tons per year.

Through its press release received in Jakarta, Sunday (21/1/2018) Airlangga praised APR's investment and commitment in supporting the government's agenda of the national textile strategic industry in order to compete in the global market.

Construction of the APR plant, which is the result of the investment of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP), is considered capable of supporting the national textile industry, thereby reducing import dependence on cotton and rayon materials.

Rayon is a fiber of natural plant and has better uptake of cotton. The products produced by APR can be utilized into various industries, such as bedding, clothes, towels, wet wipes for babies, masks and other hygiene products.

In addition to the downstream oriented aspect, the APR plant is also able to absorb 4,230 new workers at the development stage and 1,218 job opportunities are available at the operational stage.

The establishment of APR plant also has the potential to increase Riau Province's gross domestic product by 1.49 percent from the non-oil and gas sector and encourage SMEs to engage in factory operations.

Meanwhile, APR Director Thomas Handoko said the rayon plant operation is expected to have positive economic and social impacts for the surrounding community.

Thomas explained that with the increased production of rayon fiber in Indonesia, APR will support the domestic textile production value chain, reduce raw material imports and ensure competitive competitiveness of Indonesia globally.