Merck Invests €28 Million at German Pigments Site
German pharmaceuticals, chemicals and life sciences group Merck has started up a second production line for silica-based effect pigments at its Gernsheim, Germany, site. The addition to its largest pigment facility worldwide will significantly increase production capacities for silicon dioxide flakes, a special substrate for its Colorstream and Xirona products used in automotive coatings and color cosmetics, the group said.
Merck said the investment also strengthens the Gernsheim site and promotes the “unique selling points” of silica-based pigments within the global pigment portfolio of its Surface Solutions business unit.
“Silica-based pigments enable special effects that are exceptionally well received by our customers and perfectly meet recent market trends,” said Jeff White, head of Surface Solutions. “The new facility he added, will increase at Merck’s flexibility to capture growth opportunities.
The silica pigments are touted as providing a unique color shift depending on the angle of observation, with the volcanic red of the Colorstream line especially suitable for creating striking automotive coatings while also meeting multiple technical requirements including the ability to withstand the ravages of weather and ultraviolet rays.
Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist
