Pittsburgh-based PPG recently entered into an definitive agreement to sell its silicas products business to Poland-based QEMETICA S.A., a manufacturer of soda ash, silicates and other specialty chemicals, for approximately $310 million in pre-tax proceeds.
The sale includes manufacturing facilities in Lake Charles, La., and Delfzijl, The Netherlands.
Under the terms of the sale, QEMETICA will lease silicas manufacturing at PPG’s Barberton, Ohio, site, and research and development operations at PPG’s Monroeville, Pa., site.
“After conducting an extensive strategic review process, we are pleased to reach an agreement with QEMETICA and believe it is well positioned to lead the silicas products business forward,” Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and CEO, said. “This transaction will allow us to further focus our resources on our technology-differentiated coatings and specialty products businesses to accelerate our organic growth and drive increased shareholder value creation. I want to thank the silicas products business employees for their dedication and commitment throughout the years to deliver the quality products and services that meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
In January, PPG announced it was evaluating strategic alternatives for the business.
The silicas products business represented between 1 percent and 2 percent of PPG’s total net sales in 2023. It has approximately 400 employees.