Evonik to build silica plant in South Carolina
Evonik Industries is building a production plant for precipitated silica in the US state of South Carolina to supply the tire industry. The industry needs high-quality precipitated silica for producing fuel-efficient tires with good wet grip properties, which can save up to 8% fuel in comparison to conventional car tires.
In North America, the demand for tires with reduced rolling resistance and the associated higher fuel efficiency is experiencing above-average growth. Evonik is building the new plant near Charleston, South Carolina, close to the production plants of large tire manufacturers. The facility with an investment volume of around $120 million is to be completed in 2018.
"The investment is an important part of our strategy to expand our position as a global partner for the automotive supplier industry,” Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG, said. “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."
The use of silica in combination with silanes allows for manufacturing tires with significantly reduced rolling resistance that save fuel (compared to conventional car tires). Green tires therefore contribute to climate protection.
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