A Journey Through Decades of Distinction
Reflecting on 30 Years of Milestones Made in America
The ALPOLIC brand has been redefining the face of architecture since 1971. First introduced in Japan, ALPOLIC materials are now also manufactured in the United States and Germany. In the coming months, the Mitsubishi Chemical America (MCA) | ALPOLIC Division headquarters in Chesapeake, Va., will be celebrating the plant’s 30th year in operation.
1971
JAPAN
Launched
1971
ALPOLIC, a brand of Mitsubishi Chemical, began pilot production in Japan in 1971. Full-scale production would begin in three years. Since its debut, ALPOLIC has stood as a global market leader with over 50 years of experience in the development and manufacture of metal composite panels for sophisticated building architecture, standing for the safety of innovative, high-quality products and perfect service.
Graphic-AL Introduced
1985
GRAPHIC-AL (known as AL-Leader in Japan) aluminum composite materials are lightweight panels with thinner aluminum skins designed for printed displays, architectural signs, canopies and other metal signage applications.
JAPAN
ALPOLIC introduced to the American market
1989
MCC begins to export ALPOLIC material to the U.S., housing the imported material in a New Jersey warehouse.
AMERICAS
1990
MCC broke ground on its first greenfield propriety in the US. Known as KASEI then, it would become home to the only U.S. manufacturing facility for ALPOLIC.
1991
AMERICAS
Mitsubishi Chemical America started the production of ALPOLIC
October 1991
Our state-of-the-art facility in Chesapeake, Virginia began production of 3mm panels.
Americas
1992
First shipment of 4 mm panels were produced and shipped. Testing on 6mm was conducted.
ALPOLIC/fr introduced
1998
ALPOLIC®/fr is one of the most advanced fire-resistant materials available and is IBC-listed to ensure compliance with many fire codes worldwide. Offered in an extensive choice of attractive options, this affordable material is one of the most popular choices for exterior fire-resistant cladding, seen in many landmark projects around the globe.
Americas
1999
First US sale of Copper (CCM).
TCM, SCM introduced
2002
Natural metal MCM is lighter in weight, more versatile, easier to fabricate and designed to remain flat and stable throughout the days, seasons and decades of any climate.
Titanium Composite Material (TCM)
Stainless Steel Composite Material (SCM)
Titanium Composite Material (TCM)
Stainless Steel Composite Material (SCM)
Americas
2004
First US sale of brake metal.
Americas
2009
First US sale of Zinc (ZCM).
Americas
Operation Encore Launched
2010
An in-house recycling program for end-of-life materials also makes way for a variety of community and nonprofit projects.
Americas
2013
22,000 square-foot warehouse expansion.
First US sale of RF.
First US sale of RF.
2014
Germany
New European production, sales site
2014
Established MFE, a new line for ALPOLIC in Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany for expanded production and sales in the European and Central Asian markets.
Americas
2014
First US sale of Heavy Duty (HD) MCM
Anodized introduced
2016
2017
Advancements in our image transfer process expanded the Timber Series, which provides the natural look of wood, without the weight, maintenance difficulties or expense.
Americas
PIGMENTO Introduced
2019
In partnership with VM Zinc, ALPOLIC is the first to market with a pigmented zinc composite.
2020
Americas
2020
$5 million expansion added 40,000 square feet to increase the company's storage, shipping and receiving capabilities. This is the second major expansion for the company, which has maintained its headquarters in the flourishing Greenbrier business district for more than 27 years. The first, a 22,000- square-foot warehouse expansion, was completed in 2013.
Americas
2021
New 11,000 square foot administration building open.
Americas
ALPOLIC Americas joins MCA
2021
Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc. consolidates subsidiaries in its One Country, One Company initiative, creating strength and collaboration across businesses.
... continuing to build a legacy of architectural excellence
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