Evonik purchases office, R&D buildings in Lehigh Valley

As part of its commitment to employees to remain in the Lehigh Valley, Evonik Corporation has signed an agreement with Air Products to purchase facilities on its existing Trexlertown campus. Specifically, Evonik will purchase R&D 1, R&D 3, a pilot plant, ancillary support buildings along with an additional 41 acres. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close mid-2019, were not disclosed. Approximately 215 Evonik employees currently work at the Trexlertown site, and the company expects to add up to 50 new positions there over the next three years.

“Since closing our purchase of the specialty materials business of Air Products in January 2017, we have searched the Lehigh Valley for a proper home for our offices and research and development capabilities,” said John Rolando, North America region president for Evonik. “Purchasing the existing facilities will allow us to retain the R&D capabilities, avoid business disruption and enable investments to the site to modernize and sustain the growth of our businesses here.”

“Evonik’s expansion shows that the commonwealth is well-equipped for companies looking to grow their R&D capabilities,” Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said. “Additionally, the 50 new family-sustaining jobs will boost the local economy. I applaud Evonik for committing to grow right here in Pennsylvania.”

“We appreciate the support of the Wolf Administration and the Governor’s Action Team in helping move this project forward,” Rolando said. Evonik’s Executive Board has approved funds for the separation and renovation of the acquired buildings upon closing.

<sub>Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-orientated innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world with more than 36,000 employees. In fiscal 2017, the enterprise generated sales of €14.4 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.36 billion.

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.</sub>