Solvay has inaugurated its highly dispersible silica capacity production expansion at its site in Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or site, France. This investment follows a similar volume expansion last year in the US and the start-up in 2010 of a new plant in China. These three investments required in total EUR74 million.
The firm says its worldwide capacity now exceeds 400,000 tonnes and the growth is driven by the need for energy-efficient tyres and the new European Tyre labelling legislation applicable, that came into force in November.
Solvay says its Zeosil and Zeosil Premium highly dispersible silica is used by major tyre manufacturers worldwide, providing up to 30% reduction in rolling resistance, thereby decreasing fuel consumption by up to 7%, while improving traction.
The investment in Collonges includes important upgrades in control technology, ensuring the site has a world-class performance for quality and environmental protection. Equipped with the latest technologies, the modernised R&D facility can now speed up innovation, and offers customers full support for development and testing of innovative silica formulations by manufacturing improved end products that meet the challenges of sustainable mobility. (RJA)