In line with the rising global demand for silicones, which is expected to continue to grow at 5-10% a year
over the coming decade, US producer Cabot will expand its production capacity by 25% at its fumed silica facility in Wales, UK. It will be completed in 2012 and is part of a three-year plan to increase Cabot’s
global fumed metal oxide capacity by 35-40%.
The project is an extension of Cabot’s long-term partnership with Dow Corning, with both parties having worked closely together in Wales since 1991, when Cabot built its fumed silica facility adjacent to Dow Corning’s silicone monomer plant.
Dow Corning provides Cabot with silanes, which are converted to fumed silica for Dow Corning’s compounded
silicones applications.
Cabot and Dow Corning have a similar relationship in the US. Cabot currently has six fumed silica facilities globally, including two in the US, two in Europe and two in Asia. (PRA)