ESSEN, Germany/ANTWERP, Belgium – Evonik is investing in the expansion of its fumed silica capacities in Antwerp, Belgium. The production complex is scheduled to become operational in the summer of 2019. Applications of the specialty silica, which Evonik markets under the AEROSIL® brand, include coatings, modern adhesive systems, transparent silicones and non-flammable high-performance insulation materials.
"The investment is a good fit for our strategy to concentrate more on distinct specialty chemicals businesses and to gradually create a more balanced portfolio," said Christian Kullmann, Chairman of the Evonik Executive Board. "With this investment in the silica business, which has low cyclicality, we are consistently following our growth course and solidifying our position as a leading global provider. Following the planned takeover of the Huber silica business and the continuous expansion of precipitated silica capacity, the AEROSIL expansion in Antwerp is the next logical step," said Kullmann.