Rhodia opens new silica facilities in France

ERJ staff report (DS)

Collonges, France - The Rhodia silica operation of Solvay has opened an R&D unit and new manufacturing capacity in France. This investment follows a similar volume expansion last year in the US and the start-up in 2010 of a new plant in China. These three investments required in total EUR 74 million.

“Our worldwide highly dispersible silica production capacity now exceeds 400,000 tons,” commented Tom Benner, President of Solvay's Silica Global Business Unit. “Demand for highly dispersible silica is pulled by a growing need for safer and more energy-efficient tyres and the new European Tyre labeling legislation applicable from November1st,” he added. “We can now meet our customers' needs globally as this new legislation takes effect.”

Equipped with the latest technologies, the modernised R&D facility can now speed up innovation, and offers customers full support for development and testing of innovative silica formulations by manufacturing improved end products that meet the challenges of sustainable mobility. “The refurbishment provides more flexibility, increases productivity, and raises our best in class standard, enabling us to better serve our customers worldwide,” added Site Manager Sabine Gouvernel.

This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Press release from Solvay