PPG announced it has completed the sale of its silica products business to Qemetica, a privately held Warsaw, Poland-based manufacturer of soda ash, silicates, and other specialty chemicals, for approximately $310 million in pretax proceeds.

PPG’s silica products business supplies precipitated silica products used as performance-enhancing additives by major companies worldwide. In 2023, the business represented 1-2% of PPG’s total net sales. The transaction includes PPG’s precipitated silica manufacturing facilities in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Delfzijl, Netherlands. Qemetica will also lease PPG’s silica manufacturing and research and development operations in Barberton, Ohio, and Monroeville, Pennsylvania, respectively. The silica products business has about 400 employees.

“We are pleased to complete this transaction with Qemetica, and I want to thank the silica products business employees for their dedication and commitment to the business and PPG customers throughout the years,” said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and CEO.

Qemetica is a leading chemical manufacturer in Europe with significant production capacity for soda ash, evaporated salt, and silicates. Its growth strategy focuses on expanding operations beyond Europe and diversifying its portfolio through strategic acquisitions while maintaining a commitment to sustainable development.

PPG began evaluating strategic alternatives for the business on Jan. 9, 2024. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as PPG’s financial advisor, and Hogan Lovells provided legal counsel.