Momentive to expand silicones production in India
Momentive Performance Materials is expanding its specialty silicones manufacturing facility and application development center in Chennai, India.
Spanning more than 15 acres, the state-of-the-art facility, which opened in 2009, focuses on manufacturing high-end specialty silicones to serve the growing needs of customers in India, the Middle East and South Asia, the company said.
Investment and capacity details were not disclosed.
“This investment represents a major step forward in our ability to grow the silicones business in India,” said Craig O. Morrison, CEO of Momentive.
“India is one of the world’s fastest growing regions for automotive, construction, telecom and energy,” Morrison added. “Chennai, in particular, is developing into a significant center for multiple industries.”
“Over the years we have stayed on course in realizing our vision of building Momentive into a best-in-class specialty chemicals and materials company in the region by combining global technology, application development, manufacturing and service capabilities with outstanding products and services,” said V.P. Nalian, managing director of the company.
“This expansion will bring some of the most sophisticated technology and manufacturing processes that Momentive has developed worldwide to the Chennai facility and considerably enhance our ability to serve customers across the region.”
“We look forward to delivering innovation and finding new opportunities to expand our technology platforms into this region,” said Dr. Eric Thaler, chief technology officer.
“This expansion will allow for the commercialization of a number of specialty silicone branded products, such as Magnasoft and Silsoft additives for personal care and textile applications, Silwet products for agricultural use, Niaxadditives for polyurethane foam, and SilFORT hardcoats for automotive lighting and glazing.”
The expansion of the Chennai facility, along with the opening of a regional headquarters and global research and development center in Bangalore later this year, is part of Momentive’s long-standing commitment to India and the surrounding regions, the company said.
Additionally, the Chennai facility has been designated to become a zero-discharge plant, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability, officials said.
Local Momentive employees will participate in training programs on running the plant efficiently and in compliance with safety standards.
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