Projects in China drive Rhodia's Asian expansion plans.

Rhodia has opened a 72,000 tonne/y production facility in Qingdao, China for highly dispersible silicas used in energy-efficient tyres. The EUR 50 M ($70 M) project boosts the company's global capacity for the products by over 30% to 300,000 tonnes/y. Based on Rhodia's proprietary technology, the plant is anticipated to help Rhodia meet an estimated 9%/y growth in demand for silicas used in energy-efficient tyres. Its products lower rolling resistance in tyres, providing a 5-7% reduction in fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions from light vehicles. Most of the Qingdao plant's output will initially be exported to Japan and Korea. Separately, Rhodia anticipates finalizing its $489 M …