Specialty chemicals group Evonik has announced the closure of two silica production sites in the United States as part of its strategic programme to optimise its production network. The sites in Waterford, New York, and Havre de Grace, Maryland, are to be closed by mid-2025 and mid-2026 respectively. The affected silica products will be produced at other Evonik sites to ensure stable and reliable delivery. The closure will affect 24 employees in Waterford and 42 production employees in Havre de Grace. According to Evonik, the company is offering the affected employees opportunities for transfer to other sites or support in their professional reorientation.