Evonik expanding silica capacity by 30 percent globally

ERJ staff report (DS)

Essen, Germany - Evonik Industries has announced plans to increase its silica capacity by 30 percent globally between 2010 and 2014. The total investment is said to be in the, “upper double-digit million euro range.” The increased capacity is designed to serve the tyre industry.

"We've committed to expanding our capacities worldwide by about 30 percent by 2014, as compared to 2010. Right now, we're already about halfway there," says Dr. Thomas Haeberle, Evonik Executive Board member responsible for the Resource Efficiency Segment.

"We've already expanded the facilities for our precipitated silicas Ultrasil and Sipernat in Asia and Europe," explains Dr. Johannes Ohmer, head of the Inorganic Materials Business Unit. Evonik produces precipitated silicas at ten sites in nine countries. "Initially, we saw increasing demand in Europe. Now Asia and North America are following suit. Other regions will follow," says Ohmer.

The company is also currently investing in a new development center in Wesseling, which will pool knowledge of silicas and silanes and drive developments.

In all, Evonik has a worldwide annual capacity of about 500,000 metric tons in precipitated and fumed silicas, as well as matting agents.

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Press release from Evonik