International. Merck announced that it is significantly expanding its global production capabilities and optimizing its manufacturing processes for effect pigments. Around 750 employees work at the headquarters in Gernsheim, Germany, which is also home to the company's largest pigment production facility worldwide.
The new facility will significantly increase the production capacities of silicon dioxide flakes, a special substrate for a whole range of unique-effect pigments. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany held the auction of the new production facility, a traditional ceremony marking the placement of the last beam in a structure, in Gernsheim late last month.
The €28 million investment is part of a series of initiatives to further expand the company's pigment business.
The company's silica-based Colorstream and Xirona product ranges for automotive coatings and color cosmetics were exceptionally well received and perfectly met recent market trends.
These pigments provide a unique color change depending on the angle of observation, allowing eye-catching formulations for coating and cosmetic manufacturers.
Once completed, the new facility will substantially increase silica substrate production and sustainably expand the supply capabilities of these coveted effect pigments. The new production line is planned to start operating in the second half of 2021.
"This investment will help us to further meet the needs of our customers, strengthening our role as a leading manufacturer of superior quality effect pigments," says Dorothea Wenzel, Head of Surface Solutions at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, recalls an extensive tradition in these specialty markets, as 2019 marks the 60th anniversary of our pigment business. We are now eager to add additional exciting chapters to this success story."
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