Solvay silica production capacity in France

Solvay has inaugurated its newly expanded Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or site in France, which produces highly dispersible silica. The investment follows a similar volume expansion last year in the US and the start-up in 2010 of a new plant in China. According to the company, these three investments required 74 million euros in total.

“Our worldwide highly dispersible silica production capacity now exceeds 400,000 tons,” commented Tom Benner, president of Solvay’s Silica Global Business Unit. “Demand for highly dispersible silica is pulled by a growing need for safer and more energy-efficient tyres and the new European tyre labelling legislation applicable from 1 November,” he added. “We can now meet our customers’ needs globally as this new legislation takes effect.”

The investment in Collonges includes important upgrades in control technology as well as a modernized R&D facility. “The refurbishment provides more flexibility, increases productivity, and raises our best in class standard, enabling us to better serve our customers worldwide,” added Site Manager Sabine Gouvernel.

Solvay’s Zeosil and Zeosil Premium ranges are said to offer up to 30 per cent reduction in rolling resistance, thereby decreasing fuel consumption by up to 7 per cent, while improving traction.