Evonik breaks ground on Charleston silica production site

Evonik, a leading global silica producer, has announced the official start of a major expansion project at its Charleston plant in Berkeley County, South Carolina. This new initiative will increase precipitated silica production capacity by 50% to meet the growing needs of the tire industry, especially the demand for green tires in the United States.

"North America is a key growth region for us," said Guido Skudlarek, President of Evonik North America. "The investment in the Charleston plant demonstrates our commitment to regional growth and customer needs. We are committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions that provide significant benefits to our customers."

The expansion is a strategic move by Evonik to strengthen its position in the region and demonstrate its long-term commitment to the silica business. The company has been carefully preparing for this move with strong customer and market traction, active engineering updates, and strong support from on-site partners and local authorities.

"With this expansion, our Charleston facility will become a key hub for sustainable silica products in North America," said Lauren Kjeldsen, head of the Smart Materials division, which includes the silica business. "The facility's strategic location, dedicated workforce and advanced silica processing capabilities made it an ideal choice for this expansion."

Evonik has received investment incentives from the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Berkeley County Economic Development Authority to expand its precipitated silica production at the Charleston facility. "Their support and South Carolina's overall business-friendly environment were instrumental in selecting the Charleston facility for the expansion," said Kenneth Bittner, Evonik Vice President of Tax.

"Berkeley County is proud of its diverse industrial sector, which is thriving. Evonik's expansion at Busch Gardens in Goose Creek is an example of this success. We look forward to the company continuing to produce in our community and for the project to continue to create high-quality jobs," said Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb.

Evonik's focus on sustainability is a core aspect of this expansion. "For many years, our team has worked hard to develop a comprehensive expansion plan," said Emmanuel Auer, head of the Silica business line. “This project will help us achieve our sustainability goals, combining the positive impact of our silica technology with a low carbon footprint. It highlights our commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative.”

The expansion of the Charleston plant will strengthen the tire industry’s local supply chain and introduce circular raw materials for the production of ULTRASIL® silica, in line with the tire industry’s sustainability goals.

Silica is an essential raw material for the production of fuel-efficient tires, which reduce fuel consumption by up to 8% compared to conventional tires. The demand for such tires is growing rapidly in North America, mainly due to the need for improved fuel efficiency and reduced rolling resistance.

Evonik has been investing in modern silica production and making strategic acquisitions around the world to strengthen its business. The Charleston plant is part of a global network of 18 precipitated silica production sites.