Cabot to build fumed silica plant in US

Boston, Massachusetts – Cabot Corp is planning to invest in a new fumed silica plant in Carrollton, Kentucky, according to president and CEO Sean Keohane.

During the company's financial presentation on 1 Aug, Keohane said the new manufacturing facility will extend Cabot’s “long-term relationship” with the Dow Corning division of Dow Chemical.

The plant is expected to be operational 2020. No further detail on the size of the plant or investment amount was given.

The announcement follows Cabot’s ground-breaking on a new fumed silica manufacturing in Wuhai, China.

Cabot and joint venture partner Inner Mongolia Hengyecheng Silicone Co. Ltd (HYC) broke ground 7 June on the facility in Wuhai, in which Cabot will hold an 80% stake.

The $60-million project is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

The 8,000 tonnes/year facility will use the US partner’s fumed silica production technology, while HYC will provide feedstock.

Cabot said its process offer advanced levels of energy-efficiency and recycling of by-product streams.

Fumed silica is used as an additive in silicone elastomers, composites, adhesives, coatings, energy storage and consumer goods.