RAYONG, Thailand—Evonik Industries A.G. opened its expanded production for precipitated silica in Rayong.
The firm would not release investment figures, but said it was in the lower double-digit million range.
Evonik said the increased capacity will supply the automotive industry as well as the food and animal feed and paints and coatings industries. The firm anticipates growth driven by demand for fuel-saving tires and life science applications in Southeast Asia.
“Expanding our manufacturing footprint in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand highlights our commitment to this region and allows us to better serve regional markets with state of the art products and optimum solutions,” said Peter Meinshausen, regional president of Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Evonik said it is one of the leading manufacturers in silica and has a global capacity of around 500,000 metric tons per year for precipitated, fumed silica and matting agents.