Merck expands and modernises pigments production
Merck is significantly expanding its global production capacities and optimising its manufacturing processes for effect pigments.
Around 750 employees work at the Gernsheim site, which is also home to Merck’s largest pigment production facility worldwide. The new facilities will significantly increase production capacities for silicon dioxide flakes, a special substrate for effect pigments. Merck celebrated the topping out of the new production facility, a traditional ceremony marking the placement of the last beam in a structure, in Gernsheim end of last month. The investment of 28 million Euro is part of a series of initiatives to further expand the pigments business of Merck.
Application in the automotive industry
Merck’s silica-based product ranges are used for automotive coatings and color cosmetics. Upon completion, the new facilities will substantially increase the output of silica substrate and sustainably expand the supply capabilities for these sought-after effect pigments. The new production line is planned to begin operations in the second half of 2021.
