ESSEN, GERMANY (Dec. 7, 10:55 a.m. ET) — German specialty polymers supplier Evonik Industries AG is expanding its position in nylon 12 polymers, expanding an existing plant in Marl, Germany and planning a new plant in Asia.
The Essen-based company announced Dec. 7 that it will add capacity in Marl to make 5,000 metric tons annually. That project is scheduled to start production in 2012.
The Asia facility will have annual capacity of 20,000 metric tons, and is scheduled for completion within three years.
“With the significant capacity expansion proposed, we plan to consolidate our leading position in polyamide 12 for the long term,” said Dahai Yu, a member of Evonik's executive board with responsibility for the specialty materials segment, in a news release.
The company expects growth in established markets as well as in emerging regions like Asia, he said. Key applications include automotive, electrical/electronics, sports equipment, and oil and gas production and distribution.
Evonik's announcement comes shortly after French chemical maker Arkema SA announced plans to strengthen its position in biosourced polyamides in Asia by buying two Chinese firms, Hipro Polymers and Casda Biomaterials.
