PPG to increase global capacity for silica

ERJ staff report (TB)

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- PPG Industries Inc. is increasing its global capacity for precipitated silica, a component of rubber compounds used in low rolling resistance "green" tyres, by more than 18,000 metric tons annually.

Growing worldwide demand mandates the production increase, PPG said. The company will expand silica production at plants in Lake Charles, La., and Delfzijl, Netherlands, it said.

Some of the new capacity will come online during the fourth quarter of this year, PPG said, with the rest to be completed by year-end the 2012. Employment at both Lake Charles and Delfzijl will increase slightly because of the capacity expansions, it said.

PPG did not disclose the value of the investment in the expansions.

PPG was one of the pioneers of synthetic precipitated silica in the 1930s, according to the company. Today, its silica products are ingredients in a wide range of products including tires, coatings, industrial rubber, footwear and silicone end-use applications.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from PPG