Evonik Industries is building a production plant for precipitated silica in 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, SC, close to the production plants of large tire manufacturers. The world-scale facility with an investment volume of approximately $120 million is to be completed in 2018.
 
“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,” Klaus Engel, chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG, said.
 
With Huber Silica, Evonik intends to acquire a business that is specialized in applications in the consumer industry such as in the dental area.”
 
Evonik is one of the leading silica manufacturers. In addition to the precipitated silica ULTRASIL and SIPERNAT, the Group also manufactures the fumed silica AEROSIL and matting agents made from silica under the brand name ACEMATT. Overall, the company’s global annual production capacity for precipitated and fumed silica as well as matting agents is around 600,000 metric tons.