SAO PAULO—Birla Carbon completed 60 years of operations in Brazil in October 2018.
The South America region of the company celebrated the event with the 60th anniversary of its plant in Cubatao, Brazil, according to a company news release.
The company's dedication to the carbon black industry and the South America region can be seen through this milestone, said John Loudermilk, chief operating officer for Birla.
When the Cubatao plant was set up, it was a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and has evolved over the last six decades to match the growing demands of the industry, said Ronaldo Duarte, president, South America region.
The plant began operations in 1958, and now has a production capacity of 150,000 tons of carbon black per year. It supports the carbon black requirements regionally, and produces its own energy through a cogeneration facility on the premises. It focuses on sustainability and community initiatives hosting volunteer programs, and has implemented programs to drive reduced water consumption, energy efficiency and product capabilities. The plant continues to support education for children and healthcare for women. Since 2015, plant employees have engaged with high school students, speaking about the importance of technology and the chemical industry.
The facility is an active member of the ABIQUIM (Chemical Industry Brazilian Association) and the CIESP (Sao Paulo State Industries Center) and is recognized under ISO 9001/ISO 14001/OHSAS 18001 and ISO TS 16949.