Momentive opens new silane production unit in Germany

Leverkusen, Germany – Momentive Performance Materials Inc. has opened a new NXT silane production facility in the Leverkusen Chempark.

The new, “state-of-the-art” production plant will supply to “leading tire and automotive customers”, said Momentive in a 27 Sept statement .

NXT silanes, according to the company, help produce tires with lower rolling resistance, as well as advanced wet traction and overall performance.

The new facility in Europe, said Jack Boss, president and CEO, doubles Momentive’s production capacity for the material.

The official did not give further details of the overall production capacity for silanes, but said it was the company’s “fastest growing product line”.

The Leverkusen location, according to Rich Owins, vice president, Silanes, was chosen to serve tire companies in Europe and ensure “dedicated, multi-source supply of these critical additives” to customers.

The new plant is the last in a series of Momentive investments in the production of NXT silane. The company acquired the operating assets of Sea Lion Technology, Inc. in Texas City, Texas, in January. It also opened a $3.5-million research & development centre in April last year to test and develop advanced compounds used in tire manufacturing, particularly silanes.