W. R. Grace plans expansions in Brazil and Malaysia

Global specialty chemicals and materials company W. R. Grace & Co. announced plans to increase its manufacturing capacity for silica gel at its existing facilities in Kuantan, Malaysia, and Sorocaba, Brazil. Construction on both sites is expected to begin by the end of 2010, with production occurring by the third quarter of 2011. The global renewable fuels industry is expected to grow significantly over the next several years, especially in the emerging economies of Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Graces planned expansions will enable increased production of silica gel products for the renewable fuels industry, particularly for the production of both biodiesel and renewable diesel. Silica gel improves a refinery’s economics by removing contaminants from natural oil feed stocks more efficiently than alternative products. (October 14, 2010)