Evonik to open US silica plant in 2018

Essen, Germany - Evonik Industries expects to complete the building of a production plant for precipitated silica in the US state of South Carolina in 2018, the German speciality chemicals company announced 14 Dec.

The $120 million (€117 million) plant will be close to production facilities of large tire-makers to meet the growing demand in North America tires with reduced rolling resistance and the associated higher fuel efficiency.

“The investment is an important part of our strategy to expand our position as a global partner for the automotive supplier industry,” said Klaus Engel, chairman of the executive board of Evonik Industries AG.

According to Evonik, proximity to main customers in the tire industry was “decisive” in choosing South Carolina.

“We want to provide global tire manufacturers with the supply security and flexibility they expect from us in local production. That’s why we invest in sites that are close to our customers," said Johannes Ohmer, member of the board of management of Evonik resource efficiency GmbH.

Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. has a Tennessee plant nearing completion and recently Continental disclosed plans construct a new plant in Mississippi.

Evonik will produce its Ultrasil-brand of rubber silica products at the new facility – which are reinforcing fillers for the rubber industry. In addition to the tire industry, the product line is used in hoses, belts and rollers.