Evonik announces plans to close two silicon dioxide plants in North America
Evonik is adjusting its production network: The Waterford and Havre de Grace sites in the USA are to be closed and production relocated to more efficient hubs.
Specialty chemicals group Evonik has announced the closure of two silica production sites in the United States as part of its strategic programme to optimise its production network. The sites in Waterford, New York, and Havre de Grace, Maryland, are to be closed by mid-2025 and mid-2026 respectively.
According to Emmanuel Auer, global head of the Smart Effects business line, structural changes in various industries are the main reason for this decision. The group wants to increase competitiveness, optimise costs and reduce complexity. As part of the realignment, the company is focusing on economies of scale and closer integration with partners.
Long-term security of supply guaranteed
Evonik emphasises that the relocation should be seamless for customers. The affected silica products will be produced at other Evonik sites to ensure stable and reliable delivery. This means that the company will remain a major supplier of silica for numerous applications in the coatings, plastics, food and pharmaceutical industries.
The closure will affect 24 employees in Waterford and 42 production employees in Havre de Grace. According to Evonik, the company is offering the affected employees opportunities for transfer to other sites or support in their professional reorientation. The research facilities in Havre de Grace, on the other hand, will be retained and will continue to drive innovative developments. The research facilities in Havre de Grace, on the other hand, will be retained and will continue to drive innovative developments.
With the reorganisation of its silica business, Evonik is pursuing the goal of making its production capacities more efficient in the long term and strengthening its global competitiveness.
