Rhodia (Paris:RHA) says it intends to construct a new plant in China for the production of high performance silica.
The new facility will be located in the city of Qingdao where Rhodia already operates one silica plant. The new plant will focus on producing high performance silica used in low rolling resistance tires capable of boosting vehicle fuel savings by more than 5%.
The company says it will use a modular design to build the plant that will enable it to be easily expanded if needed. Rhodia already operates seven silica plants around the world in France, Italy, Venezuela, Brazil, Korea, China and the USA.
“This investment will allow Rhodia to respond to rapidly growing demand in the Asian region,” said Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, CEO of Rhodia, adding “this move fits perfectly within our strategy to develop businesses in which we have a strong and sustainable leadership position and prioritize investment in China.”
Rhodia is an international chemical company committed to sustainable development. Structured around seven Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of companies in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health and beauty and home care markets. The Group employs around 16,000 people worldwide and generated sales of ¬4.8 billion in 2006. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.
Present in China for more than 30 years, Rhodia’s operations in the country have grown very rapidly over the last ten years and today employ 2,300 people. Rhodia’s activities in China generate around 400 million euros.
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