Evonik starts construction of speciality silicones production facility in China

Evonik has started the construction of a production facility for organically modified speciality 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 the second half 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, Chairman of the Evonik Executive Board, during the groundbreaking ceremony in Shanghai. "We want to expand our speciality 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.”

Speciality silicones offer a wide range of applications for numerous industries. For example, as additives for plastics, speciality 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, speciality silicones are used in coatings and inks. Markets for speciality 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 one of the globally leading solutions providers in the area of organically modified speciality silicones. The Group’s global production facilities, research and development centres and local application laboratories offer technical advisement, customised products and local on-site service to customers.