Specialty chemicals provider Evonik announced plans to close its fumed silica production facility in Waterford, New York, and the precipitated silica production in Havre de Grace, Maryland, as part of an ongoing strategic asset network optimization program to enhance efficiencies. The Waterford site will cease production in mid-2025. Havre de Grace will continue to operate until mid-2026.

"Structural changes in markets and industries have caused the need for a strategic repositioning of our asset network," said Emmanuel Auer, global head of the Evonik Smart Effects Business Line, which includes the silica business. "We need to improve competitiveness, optimize costs, reduce complexity, and thus achieve a more robust business structure. New hub concepts, the use of economies-of-scale and backward integration with partners are being considered. The planned closure of Waterford and Havre de Grace and the corresponding relocation of the production is part of this process."

Evonik stays fully committed to its silica business in the Americas. "We will implement a seamless product transfer to other silica hubs in close collaboration with all our customers ─ and we are committed to maintaining the adequate and timely domestic availability of imported products," said Auer. "Relocating the portfolio to large and competitive silica production hubs will strengthen the long-term supply resilience of our customers."

Evonik is a leading supplier of silica, a versatile chemical compound used to produce a wide range of commercial products like toothpaste, tires, plastics, coatings, food, silicones, animal feed, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Evonik produces silica at six manufacturing sites in North America and at 26 sites worldwide.

Evonik's Waterford site, located about 10 miles north of Albany, New York, employs 24 people. The plant manufactures fumed silica, a thickening/reinforcement agent and anticaking additive for powders.

The Havre de Grace production site, located approximately 40 miles northeast of Baltimore, Maryland, employs 42 production personnel. The plant manufactures precipitated silica and calcium silicate for toothpaste, food, and animal feed. The site also has a Research, Development & Innovation Center as well as laboratories and other support functions, which will remain after the production closure.

The exact plant closure dates are not finalized. "Supporting our employees and customers is our primary focus now. Waterford and Havre de Grace remain important production sites until we have successfully transferred manufacturing and customers to other plants," said Antoinette Barbour, VP and general manager, Americas Smart Effects.

Evonik is offering current Waterford and Havre de Grace employees transfer opportunities to other Evonik locations in North America. The company will also aid employees in finding other jobs. "We understand that these changes are difficult and remain committed to our employees throughout the transition," added Barbour.

Learn more about Evonik at www.evonik.com.