Momentive opens silicones facility in India

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Albany, New York -- Momentive Performance Materials Inc. has opened its new manufacturing plant in Chennai, India, bringing to 27 the number of production plants it boasts globally.

The plant will make silicone elastomers and fluids and will serve Momentive customers in India along with the nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation. The firm has identified a number of growth sectors in the region, including energy, where it will push its Silopren-brand liquid silicone rubber and silicone heat-cured elastomers for polymeric insulators in the high-voltage segment.

Momentive began construction on the manufacturing facility and application development centre in June 2007. It covers an area of more than 6 ha and has the capability to double capacity from current output to address future expansion needs.

“India is one of the world's most rapidly growing markets for automotive, construction, telecom and energy,” said Ian Moore, Momentive president and CEO for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. “Chennai, in particular, is developing into a significant cluster with regard to the above-mentioned industries.”

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

www.momentive.com