Cabot and Sanmar Expand Fumed Silica Footprint in India

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“Cabot Sanmar has been a reliable supply partner for diverse industries in India. With this investment, Cabot Sanmar will expand the domestic availability of a critical ingredient that goes into the making of products we use every day.” - Krishna Kumar Rangachari, PhD, Director - Cabot Sanmar Limited

April 2026 : In an era where corporate alliances often shift with the seasons, the partnership between The Sanmar Group and Cabot Corporation stands as a rare testament to longevity and shared vision. The two industry titans gathered in Mettur, Salem District, not just to celebrate 30 years of collaboration, but to break ground on a future-focused expansion.

The joint venture, Cabot Sanmar Limited, officially unveiled plans for a major capacity expansion of its fumed silica manufacturing. This brownfield project involves a significant investment of Rs 220 crore (approximately $25 million USD), aimed at quenching India’s rising thirst for high-performance chemical ingredients.

The ceremony was more than a formal groundbreaking; it was a reflection on three decades of industrial synergy. Vijay Sankar, Chairman of The Sanmar Group, emphasized the depth of the bond during the unveiling of the foundation stone. “This has been a journey of trust and consistent value creation. This milestone year marks 30 years of this partnership, exemplifying Sanmar’s track record of successful joint venture stewardship,” Sankar noted.

Echoing this sentiment, Sean Keohane, President and CEO of Cabot Corporation, highlighted the human and innovative elements that have sustained the JV. “We are proud of the strong partnership we have built with The Sanmar Group and the meaningful impact our joint efforts have made over the past 30 years,” Keohane said. “This expansion reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and delivering high-quality fumed silica to support India’s growing demand.”

Fumed silica is the "invisible hero" in countless everyday products - from adhesives and coatings to personal care items. By expanding domestic production, the JV aims to stabilize supply chains for Indian manufacturers.

Krishna Kumar Rangachari, PhD, Director of Cabot Sanmar Limited, pointed out the practical impact of the move: “Cabot Sanmar has been a reliable supply partner for diverse industries in India. With this investment, Cabot Sanmar will expand the domestic availability of a critical ingredient that goes into the making of products we use every day.”

The new unit is slated for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2027, marking a new chapter in a partnership that remains as reactive and energetic as the chemistry it creates.

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