Ajinomoto Fine-Techno (AFT), established in October 1998 to combine Ajinomoto’s electronic materials and functional chemicals divisions, merged in August 1999 with Hokuetsu Carbon Industry Co., Ltd. As a result of these strategic mergers, AFT now comprises three of Ajinomoto’s most important specialty chemical businesses: electronic materials, functional chemicals and activated carbon products. Each of these business areas is handled by a separate, vertically integrated unit responsible for activities ranging from R&D and manufacturing to marketing and sales. AFT serves a wide range of markets, including basic industri