Press release
Corporate Press
March 22, 2016

Start of construction of a new specialty silicones production facility in China

  • Groundbreaking of new specialty silicones production facility in Shanghai (China) has been done 
  • Evonik investment in the high double-digit million Euro range 
  • Completion of facility planned for mid of 2017

Evonik has started the construction of a production facility for organically modified specialty silicones in Shanghai (China). The project is part of a global investment initiative. A first expanded production plant became operational in Essen in late 2014. The new facility is being constructed at the Multi-User-Site (MUSC) in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, with completion planned for mid of 2017. The investment volume is in the high double-digit million euro range.

´"With this investment, we are strengthening our position as market and technology leader" said Klaus Engel, the chairman of the Evonik Executive Board, during the groundbreaking ceremony in Shanghai. "We want to expand our specialty silicones production capacities in Asia to serve the rising demand with local production.“ That is why we are enlarging our production capacities in this region."

Specialty silicones offer a wide range of applications for numerous industries. For example, as additives for plastics, specialty silicones are responsible for comfortable furniture, car seats and ergonomic mattresses. They also play an important role within the formulation of insulation material for building insulation and guarantee of the highest energy efficiency of refrigerators. Other areas of application are defoaming agents, used in industries like construction, textile or plastics. Furthermore, specialty silicones are used in coatings and inks. Markets for specialty silicones have grown substantially over the past years.

"Based on our successful business operations in Shanghai for more than 15 years, we want to continue to support the success and growth of our customers in Asia and beyond as a reliable partner," said Dr. Hans Josef Ritzert, member of the Board of Management of Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH.

Evonik is a globally leading solutions provider in the area of organically modified specialty silicones. The Group’s global production facilities, research and development centers, and local application laboratories offer technical advisement, customized products and local on-site service to customers.

Company information

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders
in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2015 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around €13.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.47 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.