In a major move to bolster India’s specialty chemicals sector, Cabot Sanmar—a joint venture between the US-based Cabot Corporation and India’s The Sanmar Group—announced a significant expansion of its fumed silica manufacturing capacity on Saturday. The brownfield project, located in Mettur, Salem district, involves an investment of ₹220 crore (approximately $25 million) aimed at addressing the surging domestic demand for high-performance chemical ingredients.
The foundation stone for the new unit was unveiled by Sean Keohane, president and CEO of Cabot Corporation, alongside Vijay Sankar, chairman of The Sanmar Group. This expansion is strategically timed to support India’s rapidly growing advanced manufacturing landscape. According to the company, the new facility is expected to be fully commissioned by the fourth quarter of the 2027 calendar year.
Cabot Sanmar is a leading producer of CAB-O-SIL fumed silica, a versatile and critical ingredient used in a vast array of everyday products. Its applications span multiple high-growth industries, including pharmaceuticals, food processing, paints and coatings, adhesives, personal care, and crop protection. By increasing local output, the joint venture aims to reduce import dependency and ensure a steady, high-quality supply for Indian manufacturers.
Speaking on the investment, Krishna Kumar Rangachari, Director of Cabot Sanmar, highlighted the venture’s role in national self-reliance. He noted that the expansion would significantly enhance the domestic availability of a material essential to products used daily by millions. The move aligns with the broader “Make in India” sentiment, fostering a more robust supply chain for the specialty chemicals market.
The partnership between Cabot and Sanmar spans over 30 years, a milestone celebrated by leadership from both sides. Sean Keohane emphasized that the investment reflects a shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. Meanwhile, Vijay Sankar described the journey as one of “trust and consistent value creation,” noting that the joint venture has maintained its market leadership through operational and technological excellence.
As India continues to position itself as a global hub for chemical manufacturing, this ₹220 crore expansion marks a pivotal step in ensuring that critical raw materials like fumed silica are readily available to fuel the next wave of industrial growth.