Evonik Acquires Hydrogen Peroxide Operations In Maitland, Canada

Evonik, one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies, today celebrated the purchase of Kemira’s hydrogen peroxide facility in Maitland, Ontario, Canada.

At a midmorning ceremony marking the event, officials flew the Evonik flag for the first time at the former Kemira facility on Route 2.

“This plant is a very important one for Evonik,” Dr. Dahai Yu, a member of Evonik’s executive board, told assembled employees, dignitaries and Evonik executives. “This acquisition allows us to increase our capacity for hydrogen peroxide production in North America by 44,000 metric tons annually, making us one of the market leaders in the region. Together, with our Mobile, Ala., plant in the south, our Gibbons, Alberta, Canada, plant in the northwest and our new plant in Maitland, we’re excellently positioned in the market, have improved our logistical structure, and have created the best-possible basis on which to service our customers.”

The transaction is another step in Evonik’s global strategy for hydrogen peroxide, added Jan Van den Bergh, Head of Evonik’s Advanced Intermediates -- the business unit in charge of the hydrogen peroxide business. “Our growth strategy is based on new technologies, as is exemplified by our project in Jilin, China, where we will be supplying hydrogen peroxide to a plant specializing in the chemical direct synthesis of propylene oxide, and by targeted acquisitions like this one in Canada,” said Van den Bergh.

Thomas Rieche, who heads Evonik’s Active Oxygens Business Line, noted the Maitland acquisition enables Evonik to offer a competitive edge in today’s marketplace. “We are solidifying our market, service and logistic positions,” he added. “This facility is a great fit with Evonik’s hydrogen peroxide business. It strategically enhances our market position, both in North America and the rest of the world.”

While business is important, Evonik is not merely an employer, it is a partner in the community, emphasized Thomas Bates, Evonik Regional President. “We are committed to the Maitland facility and the local community,” said Bates. “We greatly value the skilled workforce here in Maitland and we will maintain our high standards in the areas of safety, environment and health. The tremendous success the plant has enjoyed is a testament to Plant Manager Bruce McDonald and his entire team. The plant becoming part of the Evonik family is good for the community, for the employees and for the region.”

Maitland Plant Manager McDonald said the transition of ownership to Evonik was seamless. “We have an educated, experienced, loyal, and dedicated workforce,” said McDonald. “Day in and day out, our team strives to work safely and diligently to satisfy the needs of our customers. They do what is expected of them – and more.”

Hydrogen peroxide is an environmentally-friendly chemical used for oxidation reactions, bleaching processes in pulp, paper and textile industries, waste water treatment, exhaust air treatment and for various disinfection applications. Decomposing to yield only oxygen and water, hydrogen peroxide is one of the cleanest, most versatile chemicals available.

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit our website:
http://www.evonik.com/north-america.