FREDERICK, Md., Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Silica
Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SLCA) announced plans today to add
approximately 3.8 million tons of new capacity in response to the
surging demand for northern white frac sand.
The Company is planning an 800 thousand ton-per-year expansion
at its Pacific, MO. plant. The
decision to expand the Pacific
plant was driven primarily by the oil and gas market's increased
use of fine grade products. The $33
million project also includes a new flagship transload to
support the additional volume. The Pacific plant has exceptional logistics, with
access to both the Union Pacific and BNSF railroads as well as
barge. It is also closer to the Eagle Ford and Permian shale
basins, which results in lower freight costs. The project is
expected to come online in the third quarter of 2015.
Additionally, the Company has begun development of a new 3
million ton-per-year frac sand mine and plant in Wisconsin and associated in-basin transloads.
The project will require a capital investment of approximately
$150 million. The facility will be
located on a highly-desirable Class 1 railroad and is expected to
come online by the middle of 2016.
"Based on conversations with our customers, we believe that a
step change is occurring with regard to the volumes of sand being
used per well, which translates into significant demand for our
products,'' said Bryan Shinn,
president and chief executive officer. "These new capacity
expansions will enable us to keep pace with the market and ensure
that our customers have ample products to satisfy their needs."
About U.S. Silica
U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., a member of the Russell 2000, is one
of the largest domestic producers of commercial silica, a
specialized mineral that is a critical input into the oil and gas
proppants end market. The company also processes ground and
unground silica sand for a variety of industrial and specialty
products end markets such as glass, fiberglass, foundry molds,
municipal filtration and recreational uses. During its 100-plus
year history, U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. has developed core
competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science
that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver over 250
products to customers across these end markets. U.S. Silica
Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Frederick, Md.
Media Inquiries: Alison
Holder
Manager of Corporate Communications
301-682-0326
holder@ussilica.com
Investor Relations Inquiries: Mike
Lawson
Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
301-682-0304
lawsonm@ussilica.com
SOURCE U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.