Evonik, a global leader in silica production, has broken ground on a significant expansion at its Charleston site in Berkeley County, South Carolina. This expansion will increase the site’s precipitated silica production capacity by 50%, driven by rising demand from the U.S. tire industry, particularly for fuel-efficient green tires.

“North America is a crucial growth region for us,” said Guido Skudlarek, Evonik’s president for North America. “This investment underscores our commitment to meeting regional growth and customer needs, providing sustainable solutions for our clients.”

The expansion is supported by customer demand, advancements in engineering, and strong local partnerships. Evonik received investment incentives from the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Berkeley County Economic Development to support the project.

“With this expansion, our Charleston site will become a key hub for sustainable silica products in North America,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, head of the Smart Materials Division.

Evonik’s focus on sustainability plays a central role in this project, which will help local supply chains for the tire industry and support the company’s goals to reduce its carbon footprint.