CHESAPEAKE, VA (July 15, 2004) – Yupo Corporation America, the largest manufacturer of synthetic paper in the Western Hemisphere, announces the appointment of Mr. Masahiko Yano to the position of President. Yano will be driving Yupo’s strategic growth initiatives in the commercial and technical paper markets in North and South America. He succeeds Mr. Toshiyuki Noguchi, who is retiring at the end of June. “Yupo’s strategic business decisions and customer focus have created value for both Yupo and its customers,” says Yano. “I am committed to building upon this foundation to strengthen our position in key markets while adding value for our customers.” Mr. Yano joined Yupo Corporation America from Mitsubishi Chemical, Europe where he held the position of President and CEO since 2001. He joined Mitsubishi Petrochemical Co. Ltd. in 1969 and has extensive experience in sales and marketing of plastics.