Merck opens new production unit for silica-based pigments

Science and technology company Merck, has opened a second production line for silica-based effect pigments in Germany, an investment of nearly €28 million.

Around 750 employees work at this site, which is home to Merck's largest pigment production facility worldwide. With this investment, Merck will significantly increase production capacities for silicon dioxide flakes, a special substrate for Merck’s Colorstream and Xirona product ranges for automotive coatings and colour cosmetics.

These pigments provide a unique colour shift depending on the angle of observation. Especially the volcanic red of Colorstream Lava Red shows a dynamic colour variety in continuous harmony and thus features striking automotive coatings while at the same time fulfil multiple technical requirements, like the ability to withstand the ravages of weather and UV rays.

“Silica-based pigments enable special effects, that are exceptionally well received by our customers and perfectly meet recent market trends,” said Jeff White, Head of Surface Solutions at Merck. “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.”

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Germany-based Merck operates across healthcare, life science and electronics and employs 58,000 employees worldwide. In 2020, Merck generated sales of €17.5 billion in 66 countries.

In September, the company announced its intention to continue to expand its role in science and technology and accelerate growth in the coming years.

“Our ambition is to become the world-leading science and technology company of the 21st century. In all three business sectors, Healthcare, Life Science and Electronics, the course has already been set for sustainable, profitable growth," said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck.

"We will continue to consistently and purposefully invest in areas that make us strong and thus aim to increase our Group sales to approximately €25 billion by 2025.”

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