Silica manufacturer Evonik has expanded its precipitated silica plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The company is investing a “mid-double-digit million euro amount” in a new line at the plant, with construction scheduled to begin in mid-2024 and operations in early 2026.
The expansion in Charleston fulfills the need for local-to-local supply chains for tires, Evonik says, with the company planning to introduce circular raw materials to manufacture Ultrasil silica to satisfy sustainability targets.
The Charleston facilities are part of a network of 18 precipitated silica production sites globally. The company forecasts its production capacity for precipitated silica at the site to increase by 50% with the new line.
“North America is an important strategic growth region for us,” said Maike Schuh, CFO at Evonik and responsible for the Americas region.
Emmanuel Auer, head of the silica business line at Evonik, added, “The expansion will contribute to meet our sustainability targets by combining the positive handprint of Evonik’s silica technologies with a low carbon footprint.”
