WATERFORD, US: Momentive Performance Materials Inc said that it will invest approximately $30 million to expand its NXT (trade mark of the company) silane manufacturing capacity in its Leverkusen, Germany site as part of its global initiative to expand production capabilities serving the automotive markets.
This expansion will enhance the capability for meeting the growing demand for innovative products that help global tire producers improve product performance.
The NXT silane manufacturing facility is expected to begin production in late 2017, when these silanes are included in silica tire compounds, they can offer tire manufacturers the ability to reduce rolling resistance without the loss of wet traction.
“The project 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. This site will make locally-produced NXT silane material available in Europe for the first time,” said Jack Boss, president and CEO, Momentive Performance Materials.
“As tire manufacturers continue to work towards reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, NXT silane can play a large role in delivering benefits such as rolling resistance, traction and fuel economy in tires,” said Rich Owins, VP of Silanes, Momentive. “Our tire team has a tremendous depth of industry experience with over 50 patents to date, and we will continue to drive investment into R&D for tire silanes in order to provide new, innovative solutions for our customers.”
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