United States. Evonik announced that it is expanding its production capabilities of methacrylate cross-linked from the Visiomer brand. To this end, the Methacrylates business has made an investment in the low single-digit range of millions of euros in the mobile site (Alabama, USA). Commissioning is scheduled for the third quarter of 2018.
"With this investment, we will further enhance the global positioning of Application Monomers. It will allow us to provide customers with cross-linking of our plants in the US, Germany and China," explained Hans-Peter Hauck, director of the methacrylate trade line in the performance materials segment.
"In the future, we will be able to provide methacrylate cross-linking agents for the U.S. market outside of the mobile plant," continues Grant Lafontaine, general manager of the application product lines and bulk monomers in the U.S. "We will significantly improve our flexibility and responsiveness for the benefit of our customers in the United States."
Investment in Mobile will continue to build on the strengths of the methacrylate business, including market-leading positions, operational excellence, strong brands, technologies and network structures. To ensure the future development of these strengths, Evonik is looking for the best owner for its methacrylate business, which is being created as an independent entity. The goal is to find a new owner who will invest in long-term growth in the methacrylate business, ensuring a bright and successful future.
Evonik Visiomer cross-linkers are used in many applications, such as paints and coatings, composite materials and plastics. In the final product, they can improve chemical resistance or technical hardness, for example.
