ESSEN, Germany (June 21, 2010)—Evonik Industries A.G. is ending production at its carbon black plant in Botlek, the Netherlands, at the end of July as part of a significant restructuring of its carbon black business.
The unit will continue to generate electricity for some time, said Evonik.
The company said the move is part of a series of targeted measures to realign its production capacity. The actions will include planned capacity expansion and production optimization measures at individual sites, as the company responds to a change in geographic demand from Western Europe to the Eastern sector.
Evonik's remaining seven European carbon black plants will continue to ensure product availability for our customers, said Jack Clem, head of the business line, carbon black. He said the firm is reviewing expansion and product mix optimization plans for facilities in South Korea and China.
By the end of 2010, Evonik's worldwide production capacity will reach over 1.4 million metric tons per year.