ESSEN, Germany - The Chemicals Business Area of Germany-based Evonik Industries AG has expanded the silica capacity of its joint venture Egesil AS in Adapazari, near Izmit, Turkey. With the new capacity of 40.000 tons per year, Evonik Industries is keeping pace with the growth in demand for tire silica in Europe. Expansion involved the addition of a new dryer, which commenced operation in the second half of 2007. The primary customers for Egesil products are the tire industry and manufacturers of industrial rubber goods and dispersion paints.