Evonik has announced that the construction work on the new polyamide 12 complex at Marl Chemical Park is virtually complete and it will be taken into operation this year. Evonik has invested around half a billion euros in this future-oriented project. That is the largest investment in the company’s history in Germany.
Most Modern PA 12 Complex
The high-performance polymer polyamide 12 is used in attractive growth markets such as 3D printing, medical technology, automotive engineering, and as substitute for steel. Evonik's sites in Asia also offered attractive conditions for the construction of the world's most modern PA 12 complex.
Christian Kullmann, chairman of Evonik's executive board, praised the fact that the new complex can start operating this year despite the pandemic-related restrictions as a “
masterstroke by our team.” Kullmann added, “
Three years ago, we decided to produce this leading high-tech German product for the world market here in the Ruhr region. We have kept our word and completion of the demanding construction phase is almost on schedule. That creates growth, value, and jobs.”
Increased Polyamide Production
Construction of the new complex has been virtually completed in just under two years. The individual process units will now be taken into regular operation step-by-step. Full start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter. The complex creates 120 new highly skilled jobs. At the same time, it increases Evonik's production capacity for this high-performance polymer by more than 50 percent and gives it the world's largest PA 12 production complex in Marl (Germany).
“
The strength of this German site is largely due to the outstanding qualifications and motivation of the employees and the creative force of Germany's codetermination system,” said Michael Vassiliadis, head of the IG-BCE industrial union. “
Evonik's decision in favor of Marl is excellent proof of that. We need to build carefully on these strengths.”
Bernd Tönjes, chairman of Evonik's supervisory board, stressed the enormous importance of the interaction between the company, politicians, and representatives of the workforce. “
If we want to continue the successful model that has made German industry strong and driven its global success, we need to do it together.” The chemical industry needs to find answers to the pressing issues of the future such as climate change. “
The chemical industry is not the problem; it is part of the solution,” said Tönjes.
Source: Evonik