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On January 1, 2004, Degussa AG, Dusseldorf, will acquire
a majority share (51 percent) in the Turkish silica joint venture Egesil
in Adapazari near Izmit. Egesil produces high-quality tire silica and
was established by the proprietors of Ege Kimya AS, a 45-year-old family-owned
chemical company. Following the increase in Degussa’s share, Ege
Kimya AS will own a 49 percent share in the joint venture. As early as
the establishment of Egesil about two years ago, Degussa announced its
intention of increasing its then 25 percent share. Since that time, the
planned increase in capacity from 8,000 to the current 15,000 metric tons
of silica per year has also been implemented. The expansion also provided
the opportunity for a simultaneous launch of a new production technology.
The primary customers for Egesil products are the tire industry and producers
of mechanical rubber goods and dispersion paints. Degussa Management Board
member Dr. Carl Voigt explains the importance of the move for the Group:
"The increased participation will achieve a second important step
in the enhancement of our market position in precipitated silicas in southeastern
Europe and the near East.”
Precipitated silicas and silicates are used as carriers and anti-blocking
agents in the animal feed and food industries. They are also used as pigment
in the paints and colorants industry, as well as abrasives in the production
of toothpaste. Together with rubber silanes and rubber blacks, silicas
are an important component of "green tires," which reduce roll
resistance. Degussa is the only company worldwide to offer all three of
these reinforcing agents and is also the world’s leading manufacturer
of these products for the rubber industry. According to experts, there
will be a significant rise in the demand for tire silicas over the next
few years. With a total of 31 production sites in 18 countries, and their
application technology support sites in Europe, America and Asia, Degussa
is the worldwide market leader in precipitated silicas and rubber silanes,
and the second-largest producer of rubber and pigment blacks.
Degussa is a multinational corporation consistently aligned to highly
profitable specialty chemistry. With sales of € 11.8 billion and
a workforce of some 48,000, it is Germany's third-largest chemical company
and the world market leader in specialty chemicals. In fiscal 2002, the
corporation generated operating profits (EBIT) of more than € 900
million. Degussa's core strength lies in highly-effective system solutions
that are tailored to the requirements of its customers in over 100 countries
throughout the world. Degussa‘s activities are led by the vision
"Everybody benefits from a Degussa product – every day and everywhere".
Source: Degussa
AG
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