Rhodia, a specialty chemical company, has expanded its dispersible silica production unit at Chicago Heights, Illinois, US.
The expansion project increases the company's North American capacity by 33% to 16,000 tons.
Rhodia Silica president Tom Benner said they are also in the construction phase of a similar expansion at Collonges au Mont d'Or, France, which is expected to be completed in 2012.
"These three latest investments increase our global capacity of highly dispersible silica more than 40% , ensuring that we are prepared now to meet long-term growth expectations associated with demand for fuel-saving tyres," Benner added.
Rhodia's silica is used in industrial applications, personal care and nutrition markets.
