Cabot has restarted its previously suspended carbon black plant expansion in Cilegon, Indonesia, targeting completion by mid-2025 as the company seeks to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s growing market demand.

The Boston-based chemical company will add 80 kilotonnes of annual rubber black production capacity at its existing facility, nearly doubling the plant’s output. The project, which is estimated to cost USD 100 million, was initially launched in 2019 but put on hold in 2020 during a capital allocation review.

The expansion will strengthen Cabot’s position as Indonesia’s sole reinforcing carbons producer, allowing for reduced lead times in serving the local market. The move comes as the region faces capacity constraints and growing dependence on imports.