According to the company, the expansion will significantly increase its production capacity for effects pigments and silicon dioxide flakes, a specialized substrate for unique effect pigments used in color cosmetic and automotive applications.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced the expansion of its global production capacities and optimization of its manufacturing processes for effect pigments. The investment of 28 million Euros is part of a series of initiatives to further expand the company's pigments business. The new production line is planned to begin operations in the second half of 2021.
“This investment will help us to even better serve our customers’ needs strengthening our role as a leading manufacturer of premium-quality effect pigments,” said Dorothea Wenzel, head of surface solutions at the company. “Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany looks back at an extensive tradition in these specialty markets, as 2019 marks the 60th anniversary of our pigments business. We are now very much looking forward to adding additional exciting chapters to this successful history.”
The company celebrated the topping out of the new production facility, a traditional ceremony marking the placement of the last beam in a structure, in Gernsheim end of last month (see photo, above).
The company's silica-based Colorstream and Xirona product ranges for automotive coatings and color cosmetics were reportedly well-received and met recent market trends. These pigments provide a unique color shift depending on the angle of observation, enabling eye-catching formulations for coatings and cosmetics manufacturers.
For more information, contact Merck KGaA.
