Evonik inaugurates Thailand silica expansion

The project to expand Evonik Industries’ production of precipitated silica at its facility in Thailand is complete and officially opened on 14 March. The company says it invested a ‘lower double-digit’ figure in the expansion project, and while it hasn’t indicated the new capacity at the Maptaphut (Rayong Province) site, Evonik’s global capacity for precipitated silica, fumed silica, and matting agents now stands at around 500,000 tonnes. As well as supplying the tyre and automotive industries, Evonik will ship its precipitated silica to customers in the food, animal feed and paint and coatings sectors.

“Expanding our manufacturing footprint in South East Asia, Australia & 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,” stated Peter Meinshausen, Evonik’s regional president South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

“With this expansion, we are strengthening our operations in Thailand,” added Dr Florian Kirschner, managing director and country head of Evonik (Thailand). “This allows us to respond more quickly to changes in market demand and supply high quality products to our customers”

Silica production began at Maptaphut in 1990 in a plant built and run by Oriental Siam Co. Ltd. Evonik acquired a majority shareholding took charge of operating the 70/30 joint venture plant, renamed Evonik United Silica (Siam) Ltd, in 1999. Plans to expand production at the site were announced in July 2013.