Degussa lifts capacity at Chinese carbon black plant-again

By Liz White, ERJ staff

Düsseldorf, Germany-Degussa AG plans to further expand capacity of its Qingdao carbon black plant, Qingdao Degussa Chemical Company Ltd (QDCC). The group will build a fourth production line, as construction of a third line to meet the previous expansion proceeds.

This latest investment will “significantly increase” Degussa's manufacturing capacity in China, according to a company statement: “After completion of our current expansion projects we will be able to produce more than 100 000 tonnes of carbon black,” in China, said Robert Wissner, head of Degussa's Fillers & Pigments Business Unit.

“Demand is booming for high-quality grades of carbon black. QDCC makes carbon black for the rubber and tire industries, “to the international quality standards their customers expect,” said Wissner.

The Qingdao plant is located close to major customers and to one of the largest ports in China, with a good road system, providing the unit with opportunities to support the dynamic growth of the Chinese rubber industry.

Degussa announced the previous expansion, to over 70 kilotonnes per annum from 50 ktpa, in October 2003.

QDCC is in Shandong province, which Degussa describes as one of the most dynamic economic regions of China.”

Degussa said the new capacity will strengthen its position as one of the leading suppliers to the Chinese market. The Düsseldorf-headquartered group pointed out that the Chinese market for tyres and rubber goods are “changing dramatically.” China is now the world's largest market for truck tyres and the third largest for all tyres, stimulated by investment by the major car and tyre producers, and by “massive expansion of China's network of roads and highways,” Degussa said.