HOUSTON – Officials with U.S. Zinc announced that the company has begun implementation of a project to expand production at its Changshu, China, zinc oxide plant. The expansion is slated for completion by the first quarter of 2016.

The full project, which includes facility additions, new employees and new equipment, will increase zinc oxide production by 9,000 metric tons per year. The expansion will enable U.S. Zinc to cater to the specialty zinc oxide markets.

“As the largest zinc oxide producer in the world, we continually expand and innovate to remain at the forefront of the zinc market,” said U.S. Zinc President Rodrigo Daud. “This expansion demonstrates our commitment to ensure consistent supply for the Chinese and furthermore the global zinc oxide market.”

The plant will continue to serve the domestic demand in China for zinc oxide. The U.S. Zinc plant, located in Changshu approximately 60 miles northwest of Shanghai, has been the recipient of numerous environmental and safety awards.