Evonik to close Botlek carbon black plant

ERJ staff report (DS)

Essen, Germany -- Evonik is to cease production at its carbon black plant in Botlek, the Netherlands from the end of July, as part of a significant restructuring of its carbon black activities. The unit will continue to generate electricity for some time, said Evonik.

The company said the move is part of a series of targeted measures to realign its production capacity. The measures will include planned capacity expansion and production optimization measures at individual sites, as the company responds to a change in geographic demand from Western Europe to the Eastern sector.

Jack Clem, Head of the Business Line Carbon Black, said, Evonik's remaining seven European carbon black plants will continue to ensure product availability for our customers. He added, "A review is currently underway regarding expansion and product mix optimization plans for plants in Korea and again in China."

By the end of 2010, Evonik's worldwide production capacity will reach over 1.4 million metric tons per annum. “Our global optimization program sees us emerging from the global crisis stronger than before and reinforces our position as a reliable partner to our carbon black customers,” says Thomas Hermann, head of Evonik's Inorganic Materials Business Unit.

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Press release from Evonik