Evonik launches construction of new ultra-high purity colloidal silica plant in Weston, Michigan, expected to come on stream in 2024; plant will be first of its kind in North America, will cater to the semiconductor and electronics industry, company says

November 29, 2023 (press release) –

Weston, Michigan, USA: Evonik, one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies, is building a new plant to produce ultra-high purity colloidal silica at its site in Weston, Michigan, USA which is expected to generate a total capital spending of $7.9 million in 2023 and 2024. The plant, which is expected to come onstream in 2024, will be the first of its kind in North America. Colloidal silica is an important raw material for the electronics and semiconductor industries, whose growth is driven by the global demand for microchips and digital products.

The new plant will make Evonik one of the only players in the market that can reliably produce the colloidal silica required for the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), a process step in microchip production in the necessary quality and purity. Evonik’s colloidal silica, which is marketed under the IDISIL® brand, is characterized by its ultra-high purity and particularly narrow particle size distribution.

“The new plant makes an important contribution to the strategic development of our portfolio,” says Peter Friesenhahn, head of Evonik’s Silanes business line. “We are strengthening our offering for attractive, technology-driven growth markets and positioning ourselves as an innovation partner for our customers.”

Evonik is already a major supplier of ultra-pure tetrachlorosilane and other silanes for the semiconductor and electronics industry, and has a global network of production facilities and scientists in this field. “It will enable us to offer our customers additional supply options and even better security of supply in the future,” says Christian Edlinger, head of the Americas region in the Silanes business line. Until now, companies producing in the Americas have often had to rely on imports from Asia.

With the support of a $900,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, the expansion will not only strengthen Evonik’s presence in Michigan, but also create new job opportunities in the region. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this expansion by Evonik, helping to keep us at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“Team Michigan is proud to bring home this win and build on our leadership in the semiconductor supply chain,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are grateful for Evonik’s vote of confidence in our state.”
The location of the new plant is no coincidence. The staff in Weston already has a great deal of experience in producing ultra-pure materials for the semiconductor industry. The new plant will be integrated into existing processes at the site.

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €18.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.49 billion in 2022. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 34,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

The Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. They are the smart answer to the major challenges of our time: environment, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility and health. The Smart Materials division generated sales of €4.83 billion in 2022 with about 7,900 employees.

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

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