LEVERKUSEN, Germany—Momentive Performance Materials Inc. has opened a new NXT silane production facility in the Leverkusen Chempark, a move that doubles the company's production of the material in Europe.
The new production plant will supply to leading tire and automotive customers, providing NXT silanes that the company claims helps reduce rolling resistance in tires, while improving wet traction and overall performance.
Further details of the overall production capacity for silanes were not provided, but Jack Boss, Momentive president and CEO, noted that it was the company's "fastest growing product line."
The Leverkusen location, according to Rich Owins, vice president of silanes, was chosen to serve tire companies in Europe and ensure "dedicated, multi-source supply of these critical additives" to customers.
The new plant is the last in a series of Momentive investments in the production of NXT silane. The company acquired the operating assets of Sea Lion Technology, Inc. in Texas City, Texas, in January. It also opened a $3.5 million research and development center in April 2017 to test and develop advanced compounds used in tire manufacturing, particularly silanes.