Evonik completes sodium methylate capacity expansion in Mobile, Alabama
- Production unit will be capable of producing up to 90,000 metric tons per year
- New capacity will mainly support rising demand driven by renewable energy, such as Biodiesel
- Also supports performance chemicals and ever diversifying life sciences markets.
Evonik Corporation has completed a significant capacity expansion of its sodium methylate production facility located in Mobile, Ala. With the expansion, the production unit will now be capable of producing up to 90,000 metric tons per year.
“We are especially proud that we were able to safely and successfully complete our expansion in the midst of a pandemic, while following all necessary safety standards and social distancing measures,” said Andreas Kripzak, vice president & general manager Americas for the Business Line Functional Solutions.
The growing usage of biodiesel and the decarbonization path defined by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) policies led Evonik to invest in this expansion as it sees the investment as a must to keep delivering high quality product to its customers.
Along with the growth in biodiesel, Evonik also expects to strengthen its position serving the performance chemicals and life science markets with locally produced high quality sodium methylate.
“As the demand for alkoxides grows in the region, we are confident that the expansion of our production unit and logistic operations solidifies our leading position in North America. With our local production and a network of transloading terminals around the country, we are ensuring that we can reach our partners reliably and competitively, no matter where they are,” said Julio Canever, business director North America, Business Line Functional Solutions. “With this strategic investment, we are convinced that our service offering and product availability will even further improve.”
“In addition to the importance of the improved offering in North America, the new capacity in the U.S. also contributes to Evonik´s global positioning as a key player in the alkoxides market and supports our global supply chain network,” noted Alexander Weber, vice president and global head of Marketing & Sales.
Besides Mobile, Evonik also produces sodium methylate in Germany and Argentina.
Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €12.2 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.91 billion in 2020. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.
About Performance Materials
The forever young classics of the Performance Materials Division stand for products and technologies that are continuously improved. They are the basis for many modern applications, for example in the areas of mobility, nutrition, pharmaceuticals or plastics. The divisions portfolio generated sales of €1.98 billion in 2020 with about 1,600 employees.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.