LEVERKUSEN, Germany (Jan. 27, 2017) — Momentive Performance Materials Inc. broke ground on a silane plant in Leverkusen on Jan. 26.
The firm said the new plant will be its first European production site for its NXT-brand of silane products, which are used by tire makers seeking to enhance low rolling resistance while preserving wet traction.
Momentive is budgeting $30 million for the plant, where production is expected to begin late this year.
Helping to break ground for Momentive's new NXT Silane plant in Leverkusen, Germany are (from left) Matthias Steiner, Richard Owins, Jack Boss, Ernst Grigat and Bernhard Marewski.
"Building new capacity in Leverkusen is well aligned with our targeted growth plans in the global automotive industry and is a key component of our ability to offer a comprehensive portfolio of specialty products," Momentive President and CEO Jack Boss said.
Mr. Boss added the Leverkusen site is a "strategic location, [with] proximity to key customers and a dedicated workforce...."
Previously, the product was produced only in the U.S. and exported to Europe.
But this new site, combined with the recent acquisition of Sea Lion Technology Inc. in Texas, will help improve NXT's availability around the world.
Momentive is headquartered in Waterford, N.Y.
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This story first appeared on the website of Rubber & Plastics News, an Akron-based sister publication of Tire Business.
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