TOKYO -- Japan's Toray Industries is spending roughly 30 billion yen ($264 million) to expand synthetic leather output in Italy to meet growing demand from automakers.
A central Italian factory producing Alcantara brand material will double its current annual capacity of 9 million sq. meters within five years. Luxury car manufacturers use the suede-like product to cover interiors. Porsche, BMW and Toyota Motor produce special-edition models using the faux leather.
