ATLANTA, March 31, 2009 – Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), a division of J.M. Huber Corporation, today announced construction of its new dental silica plant is nearing completion in the coastal city of Qingdao, China, in the Shandong province. Production of the first silica sample is scheduled for June of this year.
“We’re extremely pleased to be finalizing construction and are looking forward to the Qingdao plant’s start-up,” says Martin Schulting, director of global sales for Huber’s silica business unit. “The facility is impressive and truly world-class, and we’re very proud of the effort that’s been achieved to keep construction on schedule.”
Recent work has focused on completing the main buildings and finalizing the operation of mechanical equipment and utility services. When completed, the plant will enable Huber to drive strong geographic expansion and compete in the Asia Pacific region, which has become the most rapidly growing market for dental silicas.
“We are looking forward to manufacturing the initial samples and beginning the qualification process with our customers,” adds Schulting. “The plant will operate under GMP standards and will offer a complete portfolio of Huber’s dental silicas.”
While the new Qingdao plant has been under construction, Huber entered the China and Asia Pacific region last year with an agreement with Changzhou City Mingfan Fine Chemical Co., Ltd. (Mingfan) to purchase its production-related assets, technology and “know-how” for the manufacture of various grades of precipitated silicas for the oral care industry. The strategic move accelerated Huber’s manufacturing presence for dental silica in China and helped the company gain a better understanding of local supply chains, markets and customers.
Formulators wanting more insight on Huber’s silica processing capabilities are encouraged to call 1-800-704-8254 (U.S. Headquarters) or [+86 21] 5175-8488 (China Office) or visit www.hubermaterials.com.
