Press release
Products
March 14, 2014

Evonik opens plant expansion in Thailand

  • Expansion increases current capacity of precipitated silica in Thailand
  • Investment volume in lower double-digit million range
  • Growth driven by the demand for fuel saving tires and life science applications in South East Asia


Bangkok/Singapore. Evonik opened its expanded production for precipitated silica in Rayong, Thailand in a festive ceremony earlier today. With this investment, Evonik increased its capacity for precipitated silica for the automotive industry, food and animal feed industry as well as the paints and coatings industry.

"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," described Peter Meinshausen, Regional President South East Asia, Australia & New Zealand.

Used in the tire and rubber industry, the combination of silica with silanes enables tire manufacturers to produce tires of much lower rolling resistance, thus reducing the overall fuel consumption by up to eight percent compared to traditional tires.

"With this expansion, we are strengthening our operations in Thailand," explained Dr Florian Kirschner, Managing Director and Country Head Thailand. "This allows us to respond more quickly to changes in market demand and supply high quality products to our customers."

The silica production, now a joint venture between Evonik Industries and Oriental Siam Company, was founded in 1990. Evonik came on board as majority shareholder taking charge of operating this Map Ta Phut site in 1999. This expansion, using Evonik’s latest technology, comprised enhancements of the production process to ensure highest levels of safety, productivity, and quality of the overall production.

Evonik is one of the leading manufacturers of silica. In addition to precipitated silica, Evonik also produces AEROSIL® fumed silica and silica-based matting agents under the ACEMATT® brand. These are used in tires with low rolling resistance as well as in the paints and coatings industry, as flow additives and carriers in food, cosmetics and drug production, or in manufacturing silicon applications, among others. Overall, Evonik has a global capacity of around 500,000 metric tons per annum for precipitated, fumed silica, and matting agents.

Company information

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders
in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2013 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around €12.9 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.0 billion.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.