Rhodia Plans second China Silica Facility

The chemical company Rhodia plans to construct a second facility for the production of high performance silica in China. This plant will be located in the city of Qingdao, where Rhodia already operates a silica facility. The new operation will focus on producing high performance silica notably used in low rolling resistance tyres. A modular design will be employed in the plant’s construction, enabling it to be easily expanded to support the rapidly growing market for this commodity, and Rhodia reports that a number of its existing major customers are supporting the project.

“This investment will allow Rhodia to respond to rapidly growing demand in the Asian region,” said Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, CEO of Rhodia, adding “this move fits perfectly within our strategy to develop businesses in which we have a strong and sustainable leadership position and prioritise investment in China.” President of Rhodia’s Silcea enterprise, Eric Noyrez, commented that “With this new facility, Silcea will reinforce its worldwide leadership in the production of high performance silica while demonstrating its commitment to respond to increasing customer demand for products which are more environmentally sustainable.”

Silcea is Rhodia’s fine inorganic chemistry enterprise and a global leader in rare earth-based materials and high performance silica. Rhodia Silcea supplies major players, and, as the inventor of high dispersibility silica, Rhodia Silcea is a key partner for the tyre industry, as well as the elastomer, feed and food industries.