The demand for fuel-efficient tyres with good wet grip properties and reduced rolling resistance in North America is experiencing above-average growth. This trend toward energy-efficient tyres is driving demand for precipitated silica in North America.
To meet the rising need of the industry for high-quality precipitated silica, German specialty chemicals company Evonik Industries is investing around US$120 million for the construction of a world-scale production facility for precipitated silica in the US state of South Carolina.
Set to be completed in 2018, the new plant is being built near Charleston, South Carolina, close to the production plants of large tyre manufacturers.
Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG, said: “The investment is an important part of our strategy to expand our position as a global partner for the automotive supplier industry. With the construction of the plant in the Southeastern United States and the planned acquisition of the silica business of Huber, we are strengthening our Resource Efficiency growth segment and are extending our leading market positon as a silica provider.”
Evonik recently announced the acquisition of Huber Silica, a business that is specialised in applications in the consumer industry such as in the dental area, for US$630 million.
“The proximity to the key customers in the tyre industry was decisive in choosing South Carolina. We want to provide global tyre manufacturers with the supply security and flexibility they expect from us in local production. That’s why we invest in sites that are close to our customers,” said Johannes Ohmer, member of the Board of Management of Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH, explaining the motivation to choose the site for the new production plant in Charleston. The new plant will be located in the Bushy Park industrial area near Charleston.
The use of silica in combination with silanes allows for manufacturing tyres with significantly reduced rolling resistance that save fuel (compared to conventional car tyres). Green tyres therefore contribute to climate protection. Evonik is the only manufacturer to offer both components, making it a competent partner for high-performance tyre formulations for customers in the tyre and rubber industries.