Press release
VESTOSINT
September 13, 2016

Evonik holds groundbreaking ceremony for new polyamide 12 powder plant in Marl

  • Investment amount in the mid-double-digit million euro range
  • Production capacity for polyamide 12 powders to increase by 50 percent
  • Strong growth potential, particularly in the area of 3D printing

Essen/Marl. Evonik Industries today officially broke ground in Marl for construction of a new production plant for specialty polyamide 12 (PA12) powders. The specialty chemicals company will thus increase annual capacity for its VESTOSINT® brand of PA12 powders by 50 percent. The amount invested lies in the mid-double-digit million euro range. The new plant is scheduled to come on stream at the end of 2017.

Dr. Ralph Sven Kaufmann, Chief Operating Officer of Evonik, says: "Organic growth is an essential cornerstone of our long-term growth strategy, which is why we’re continually investing in new capacities and innovative products. With the Marl investment we’re also further consolidating our leading position as a supplier of polyamide 12 based high-performance polymers."

Dr. Claus Rettig, Chairman of the Management Board of Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH, says: "Our polyamide 12 powders are targeted at highly attractive markets such as the coatings industry and additive manufacturing. We see strong potential for growth here. New production capacities in Marl will enable us to service the growing demand for specialty high-performance polymers."

Evonik’s Resource Efficiency Segment is the market leader in polyamide 12 powders, which are marketed under the VESTOSINT® brand name. The powders are used, for example, for coating of metals in household goods such as dishwasher racks, in the automotive industry, and in medical technology. For many years Evonik has also been developing specialty polymer powders that allow industrial production of high-tech components in 3D printing. VESTOSINT® impresses here by its high quality, and its processing behavior and property profile are optimally  suited to the relevant 3D printing technology.

VESTOSINT® is a modified PA12 powder produced from polyamide granules by a special proprietary process at Evonik’s Marl site.

About Evonik

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.

About Resource Efficiency

The Resource Efficiency segment is led by Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH and supplies high performance materials for environmentally friendly as well as energy-efficient systems to the automotive, paints & coatings, adhesives, construction, and many other industries. This segment employed about 8,600 employees, and generated sales of around €4.2 billion in 2015.

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.