Significant Capacity Expansion for Evonik Industries’ Precipitated Silicas

Evonik Industries is planning to significantly increase its silica (precipitated silicic acids) production capacity over the next four years. “By 2014 we will have gradually expanded global capacity at our existing plants by 25 percent, thus securing supply for our global customers,” said Klaus Engel, chairman of the executive board of Evonik Industries. Investments to ensure this increase in production capacity will be in the mid double-digit million euro range. Total capacity expansion is expected to be in the six-digit metric ton region and will be implemented mainly at Evonik’s existing silica sites in Asia and Europe. In May 2010 Evonik had announced capacity expansion for precipitated silicas at its subsidiary INSILCO Ltd. in Gajraula, India. The application possibilities for precipitated silicas are diverse and manifold. Silica, along with organosilane, is a crucial component in low-rolling resistance tires. Silicas are also used as carriers and free flow agents in the food and animal feed industries, and serve as additives in the paints and coatings industries, or even as abrasives in toothpaste. Evonik produces precipitated silica at 10 sites in eight countries around the world.