Evonik Initiates Production of High-Quality Colloidal Silica in Michigan Plant

Evonik, a top-tier specialty chemicals enterprise globally, has commenced the manufacturing of ultra-high purity colloidal Silica tailored for the semiconductor sector at its newly established plant in Weston, Michigan. Colloidal Silica stands as a pivotal raw material for the electronics and semiconductor fields, which are experiencing exponential growth due to the escalating global need for intricate and progressively smaller microchips and digital devices. Notably, this facility marks the inaugural of its kind in North America.

"The addition of this new facility to our portfolio underscores Evonik's dedication to innovation and ensuring supply reliability for our customers in the semiconductor sector," remarked Lauren Kjeldsen, Head of Evonik’s Smart Materials Division. "We take pride in inaugurating this valuable expansion to our Weston site."

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, recent investments in the U.S. semiconductor industry, supported by government incentives outlined in the CHIPS Act of 2022, have totaled nearly $450 billion spread across 25 states. These incentives are geared towards enhancing stability within the semiconductor supply chain in the United States. It is anticipated that the industry's manufacturing capacity in the U.S. will triple by 2032.

The newly established Colloidal Silica plant is situated at Evonik’s Weston site, which already possesses expertise in manufacturing ultra-pure materials for the semiconductor sector. This new facility will seamlessly integrate into the existing processes at the site, positioning Evonik as one of the few market participants capable of consistently producing colloidal Silica essential for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) with the required quality and purity levels. CMP, a critical stage in semiconductor production involving precise polishing at the microscopic level, underscores the significance of Evonik's colloidal Silica. Marketed under the IDISIL® brand, Evonik’s colloidal Silica is distinguished by its ultra-high purity and exceptionally narrow particle size distribution.

"We are honored that Evonik selected Make It in Michigan as we further strengthen our expanding semiconductor ecosystem, particularly its supply chain," stated Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. " On behalf of the MEDC and Team Michigan, I offer congratulations to Evonik on its ribbon-cutting ceremony and express appreciation for their confidence in our state. Their investment contributes to attracting more projects and revitalizing communities."

Apart from the ultra-pure colloidal Silica plant, Evonik has inaugurated the Global Semiconductor Center of Excellence in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This facility empowers Evonik to concentrate on essential chemicals for microchip manufacturing. The center's team will undertake customer-centric projects and provide technical assistance to IDISIL customers.

"The Semiconductor Center of Excellence represents an investment in the projected expansion of the semiconductor chemicals market in the years ahead," stated Christian Edlinger, Head of the Americas region in Evonik’s Silanes business line. "With our team's extensive expertise and capabilities, we are well-positioned to effectively develop and introduce new, innovative chemicals, empowering our customers to maintain their competitive edge."

The Center forms an integral component of Evonik’s Innovation Hub located in Allentown, featuring numerous cutting-edge testing and processing laboratories alongside a pilot plant.