PPG Industries recently announced it is increasing its global precipitated silica production capacity by more than 18,000 tons per year in response to growing global demand. The capacity expansion includes projects at PPG’s Lake Charles, LA, and Delfzijl, Netherlands, manufacturing locations.

“PPG is committed to the precipitated silica market, and these investments will enable us to continue meeting the growing needs of our customers for high-quality precipitated silica,” said Kevin Braun, general manager for silica products.

Braun said that some of the capacity will begin to come online during the fourth quarter, and that the expansion projects will be completed by the end of 2012. Employment at each site is expected to increase slightly as a result of the expansion projects.

For more information, visitwww.ppg.com.