Evonik to expand sodium methylate capacity at Mobile, Alabama facility
Increase driven by demand from renewable energy, life sciences markets
Evonik Corporation will undertake a significant capacity expansion of its sodium methylate facility located in Mobile, Ala. Upon completion, the Mobile plant will be capable of producing up to 90,000 metric tons per year.
The decision to expand capacity follows Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent announcement of renewable volume obligations (RVO) for 2020, which help set compliance for refiners with the Renewable Fuels Standard. Since sodium methylate is the catalyst of choice for large-scale biodiesel production in the U.S., these new EPA figures play an important role in gauging future demand for sodium methylate.
“Demand for biodiesel in the U.S. continues to grow and that’s why Evonik continues to invest in its Mobile sodium methylate site,” said Stefan Plass, head of Business Line Functional Solutions. “We want to be able to deliver our high quality product and services to our customers in the most competitive and reliable way to meet their growing needs.”
The demand for sodium methylate is not solely fueled by biodiesel demand. “In addition to the growth we are seeing from renewable fuels, Evonik’s ability to supply the broad spectrum of life sciences industry with high quality sodium methylate is another decisive factor for our expansion,” adds Andreas Kripzak, general manager and vice president North America, Business Line Functional Solutions. “We aim to expand our regional leadership position for Sodium Methylate on all levels.”
Parallel to its new capacity, Evonik is also investing further in infrastructure and logistics solutions, including an improved rail fleet and higher storage solutions. “Our Mobile site has always featured integrated utilities, excellent logistics access, on-site engineering and a highly trained and dedicated workforce to deliver high quality sodium methylate anywhere in the U.S.,” said Mark Hanlon, sodium methylate plant manager.
Besides Mobile, Evonik also produces sodium methylate in Germany and Argentina.
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.