Degussa Corp.and Engineered Carbons Inc. announced plans to combine their North American carbon-black businesses into a new, 50-50 joint-venture company.

Degussa Corp., Parsippany, NJ, and Engineered Carbons Inc. announced plans to combine their North American carbon-black businesses into a new, 50-50 joint-venture company scheduled to begin operation on Jan. 1. The new business, Degussa Engineered Carbons L.P., will supply the rubber, coatings and other markets with a range of furnace and thermal blacks produced at six U.S. plants operated by the venture partners. Sales and marketing functions will be handled by Degussa's Advanced Fillers & Pigments business unit, the companies said.