"We matched it"

"We matched it" - This is currently an often-heard phrase at the Multi User Site China (MUSC). China stands for continuous growth, and it will therefore be an increasingly important driver for the further expansion of Evonik as well. A crucial role is played here by the integrated production facility in Shanghai, which was constructed in record time. A crucial role is played here by the integrated plant system the integrated production facility in Shanghai, which was constructed in record time. “This was the second-largest investment in our corporate history, and we completed it in spite of the economic crisis because we believe in China’s economic development“, said Dr. Klaus Engel, chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG.

Employees of Evonik from seven countries worked hand in hand to enable the MATCH projekt (Methacrylates to China). Since mid-November, the new MMA plant has been supplying the downstream units that have already been in operation for several months and whose products have already become established in the market. With this successful startup, Evonik now has world-scale MMA production facilities with an annual output of 100,000 t in Asia. At the same time, methacrylic acid (GMAA) is also being produced in this complex plant. 

New C4 Process Extends Technology Platform

The integrated production complex in Shanghai is very special in a number of ways: MMA is produced here by a process that is new to Evonik, the C4 process. In order to remain flexible as regards feedstocks, a plant for splitting MTBE – a readily available petrochemical base substance – has been installed. This utilizes new technology delivered by Evonik subsidiary OXENO, which is being used for the first time in Shanghai. This increases flexibility and substantially improves the cost situation of MMA production at the site.

On the Way on Becoming a Real Global Player

The successful launch of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid production in Shanghai was the final building block in what must be considered a unique integrated methacrylates production site and thus marks the transition to becoming a real global player. Almost all products along the methacrylates value chain are produced there across all business units: methacrylic acid, butyl methacrylate, hydroxy esters, specialty monomers, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) molding compounds, and thermoplastic methacrylate resins.

The good infrastructure of the production site enables smooth delivery with drums and ISO containers as well as shipment. With applications in the automotive sector, the paints and lacquers industry and communications, these products meet with a wide range of applications in the rapidly growing Chinese and Asian market.

The new integrated production complex will be officially inaugurated on November 24 and thus officially handed over for its intended purpose.