German chemical producer Evonik has started up its new plant producing precipitated silica plant for the tire industry in the US state of South Carolina. The company said the world-scale production facility that cost some $120 million to build is in response to strong  demand from the North American tire industry.

Tires containing the highly dispersible precipitated silica are claimed to have improved roll resistance and a better wet grip.

Johannes Ohmer, member of the managing board of Evonik Resource Efficiency, said proximity to key customers in the tire industry was the decisive factor in the choice of the South Carolina site, where the German company will also produce its recently developed Ultrasil 7800 GR silica.

Due to its larger specific surface area, the GR silica is also said to give the tire tread compound more rigidity without negatively impacting its processability, making it especially suitable for sports utility vehicles (SUVs), whose main global market is the US.

Speaking at the plant’s dedication, Harald Schwager, deputy chairman of the management board, said it represents an important step in strengthening Evonik’s position as a global partner for the tire industry. 

“In the expansion of our silica business we’re following a clear strategy. In addition to taking over the activities of Huber Silica (acquired in late 2016 for $630 million), we’re continually expanding our capacities for silica,” he added.

With a global production capacity for all silica-based products of about 1 million t/y, Evonik is a leading global manufacturer of both fumed silica and precipitated silica. It also produces silica-based matting agents and other fumed metal oxides.