Merck Unveils New $32M Pigments Production Line

Science and technology firm Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany opened a new production line for silica-based effect pigments Tuesday at its manufacturing site in Gernsheim, Germany.

The company invested about €28 million (around $32.8 million) to increase production of silicon dioxide flakes, which is used as a substrate in its Colorstream and Xirona product ranges of automotive coatings and color cosmetics.

“Silica-based pigments enable especial effects, that are exceptionally well received by our customers and perfectly meet recent market trends,” Jeff White, head of Surface Solutions at Merck KGaA, said in a company release. “Through this state-of-the-art production facility, we will significantly increase the capacity for silica-based pigments in Gernsheim and flexibility in order to capture these growth opportunities.”

The asset is the second production line for silica-based pigments at the Gernsheim location.