Momentive Performance Materials is expanding capacity of NXT silanes at Leverkusen, Germany. Approximately $30 million is being invested in the expansion which is expected to go online in late 2017.

The company said the increase is part of a global initiative to raise its production capabilities for automotive markets, particularly in supplying materials to help global tire producers improve their product performance.

Customers will be able to source locally-produced NXT silane material in Europe for the first time, said Momentive. The site in Leverkusen was chosen after careful consideration of other locations within its network, the company added.

NXT silanes are included in silica tire compounds and can reduce rolling resistance without loss of wet traction, while also increasing overall production efficiency for tire manufacturers.