Evonik Industries announced today that it planned to increase its precipitated silica capacity at its existing plants by 25% through 2014, with a focus on its plants in Europe and Asia. The cost of the expansions is expected to be in the “mid double-digit million euro range” while total capacity expansion is expected to be in the “six-digit metric ton region.” In May 2010, Evonik announced a capacity expansion for precipitated silicas at its subsidiary INSILCO Ltd. in Gajraula, India.
According to the press release, these expansion plans back Evonik’s commitment to accompany its customers’ growth as a strategic partner. “Evonik is the market leader in precipitated silicas. The market is expected to grow substantially over the next few years. Through our capacity expansion, we plan to satisfy the increasing demand and to achieve further growth along with the market,” explains Thomas Hermann, head of Inorganic Materials, the business unit covering silicas and other specialty chemicals. The move also enables Evonik to continue ensuring the availability of its precipitated silicas in all regions.