Evonik breaks ground on specialty amine production in Nanjing
Shanghai, China/Essen, Germany. Evonik has officially broken ground on its plant expansion for specialty amines in Nanjing, during a ceremony attended by Nanjing government delegates on November 8.
- Strategic double-digit million euro investment boosts production and access to raw materials, fueling regional and global growth
- Plant expansion highlights commitment to polyurethane and epoxy markets, enhancing competitiveness
- New facility supports the introduction of new specialty amines to commercial scale starting 2026
Shanghai, China/Essen, Germany. Evonik has officially broken ground on its plant expansion for specialty amines in Nanjing, during a ceremony attended by Nanjing government delegates on November 8. This milestone underscores Evonik's commitment to the development of the polyurethane and epoxy curing agent markets. The expansion at the existing production site strengthens Evonik's presence in China, a vital region for the company’s global operations.
The expansion represents a strategic investment in the double-digit million euro range, allowing Evonik to enhance its amine portfolio by accessing cost-effective raw materials. By increasing production in China, Evonik strengthens its competitiveness and improves market efficiency, optimizing its production network. This expansion supports future market growth and aligns with Evonik’s global amine strategy to further differentiate its product offerings.
"The groundbreaking of our new specialty amines plant is testament to Evonik's strategic focus on expanding our capabilities in Asia and our confidence in its potential. China’s role as a competitive production hub is pivotal for both our regional and global business strategies," said, Dr. Claudine Mollenkopf, Head of Evonik’s Specialty Additives division. "This investment not only strengthens our position in the polyurethane and epoxy markets, but also highlights our commitment to sustainable growth and innovation."
The Nanjing plant runs on green electricity and specializes in producing amine-based additives crucial for industries such as construction, automotive, and furnishings. These additives play a significant role as catalysts during polyurethane foam formation. Innovative catalysts also reduce odor and VOC emissions. In November 2023, Evonik signed a Letter of Intent with the Nanjing authorities to expand the plant with construction to be completed in 2026.
"The amine expansion project is key to our business, enabling us to continue serving our customers in the automotive, construction, furniture and consumer goods markets with high-performance amine-based additives,” said Roberto Vila-Keller, Head of the Comfort & Insulation business line. "By expanding our production capabilities in China, bolstering our other sites in Japan and Singapore, we are even better positioned to meet the increasing demand for sustainable polyurethane additives across the region."
Evonik's cooperation with the Nanjing government continues to flourish, as demonstrated by the successful groundbreaking ceremony attended by local government officials. This expansion aligns with Evonik's strategy to enhance competitiveness by leveraging cost-efficient production locations in China.
F.l.t.r.: Hang Xu, Head of Comfort & Insulation Business Line, Asia Pacific, Elaine Wu, Head of Specialty Additives Asia Pacific, Qingguo Chen, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee & Deputy Director of the Management Office of Nanjing Jiangbei New Material Technology Park, Dr. Claus Rettig, President of Evonik Industries Asia Pacific, Lei Tao, Deputy Director of Management Committee & Party Committee Member, Nanjing Jiangbei New Area, Fuliang Xia, President of Evonik Greater China, Dr. Jinqiu Chen, Senior Vice President of Operations Management, Evonik Greater China, Guoyang Zheng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Sinopec Nanjing Engineering Co., Ltd., Hongwei Shen, General Manager of Evonik Specialty Chemicals (Nanjing) Co., Ltd.
Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.
About Specialty Additives
The Specialty Additives division combines the businesses of versatile additives and high-performance crosslinkers. They make end products more valuable, more durable, save more energy and simply better. As formulation experts in fast growing markets such as coatings, mobility, infrastructure and consumer goods, Specialty Additives combines a small amount with a big effect. With its 3,500 employees the division generated sales of €3.52 billion in 2023.
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.