Rhodia Starts up Tire Silicas Plant in Qingdao, China

In early August 2010, Rhodia Silcea completed construction on its new precipitated silica plant in Qingdao, China, where the company already operates a silica plant. The plant focuses on high performance silicas for the tire industry with a capacity of 72,000 tonnes/year. The plant will operate as Rhodia Silcia Qingdao Chengyang. Originally scheduled for completion in 2009, construction was delayed by the downturn in the tire industry. The plant will be commissioned on October 20.