ATLANTA, Jan. 7, 2009 – Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), part of J.M. Huber Corporation, today announced construction is progressing on schedule for its new dental silica plant being built in the coastal city of Qingdao, China, in the Shangdong province.
“We continue to make significant progress at Qingdao and are optimistic we’ll make our goal of becoming operational in June of this year,” says Mike Marberry, president of HEM. “The buildings are currently being completed and the primary equipment installed, so the plant is taking shape. In the coming months, we will be finalizing construction and connecting utilities and other services. We are very excited about this addition to our silica production capabilities.”
When operational, the facility is expected to output 40,000 metric tons of precipitated dental silica annually. The plant is a critical component of Huber’s strategy to drive geographic expansion and growth of its silica business, particularly in the Asian Pacific region. In addition to the new China plant, Huber produces silica products at six other locations in Havre de Grace, Maryland; Etowah, Tennessee; Oostende, Belgium; Hamina, Finland; Uddevalla, Sweden; and Jhagadia, India.
Known globally for its high quality and innovative functionality, Huber dental silicas are primarily used as cleaning agents and thickeners in toothpaste formulations. Huber has perfected the science of particle-size control and rheology to ensure its dental silica can be formulated in a variety of dentifrice products including opaque, clear gels, striped, dual phase, high cleaning and specialty formulas.
“The Qingdao facility will operate with the same high-quality standards that our customers have come to expect of Huber worldwide,” says Marberry. “When the plant begins commercial production, it will enable us to optimize our global manufacturing network and better serve our customers in this fast growing region.”
Formulators wanting more insight on Huber’s silica processing capabilities are encouraged to call 1-800-704-8254 or visit hubermaterials.com.
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