Carbon black maker Monolith further strengthens management team

Lincoln, Nebraska – Carbon black producer Monolith has named Gintas Vildzius as chief technology officer (CTO) on 5 Oct, with the mandate to bring “further strategic innovation” to the company.

The appointment was announced alongside the internal promotion of executive VP Amy Ostermeyer to chief development officer (see ERJ report).

Vildzius has over 35 years’ experience in R&D and engineering roles, including 26 years at GE, said Monolith, which also produces ‘clean hydrogen’ via its methane pyrolysis process.

His experience includes systems and design engineering; research, development and launches of new products as well as sourcing customer and partner solutions.

As CTO, he will lead the development of the company’s core technology, supporting the “clean and reliable” production of low-cost carbon black, hydrogen, and ammonia. 

Vildzius, said Monolith CEO Rob Hanson, has demonstrated “strategic technology development and commercialisation over his career.”

In September, Monolith promoted VP manufacturing Phil Joyner as SVP planning and development of manufacturing at its Olive Creek 2 facility.

In his new position, Joyner will help optimise and develop Olive Creek 2, and continue to grow supply chain operations, according to Monolith.

Joyner’s remit includes developing operating capability and strategies to “reliably deliver” carbon black and value-added materials and products to Monolith customers.

Since joining the company in 2019, Joyner has been “instrumental” in growing the manufacturing organisation, according to Monolith’s announcement.

Founded in 2012, Monolith currently operates its first commercial-scale production facility – Olive Creek 1 – in Hallam, Nebraska, while another US facility is expected to be completed in 2026.

Monolith started the production of 'green' carbon black at its 500,000-sq.-ft. facility in Hallam in 2021, and mainly supplies to the tire industry.

The US company is currently carrying out an expansion project at the site to increase carbon black yield from 14 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) to 120-160ktpa by 2024.