Evonik has invested €52 million in expanding its silicone platform at the Essen Goldschmidtstrasse site in Germany. The investment included the construction of a new production plant and a large tank farm.

Evonik’s Essen Goldschmidtstrasse site in Germany.

Evonik has invested €52 million in expanding its silicone platform at the Essen Goldschmidtstrasse site in Germany.

The new facility increases production capacity for organomodified silicones, a key product group within Evonik’s international silicone network.

These tailored silicone additives are used in applications including polyurethane foams for insulation materials, mattresses or automotive seating, as well as in adhesives, coatings and personal care products.

Strengthening global production network

The new facility improves the resilience of the international production network by reducing the need to transport intermediates and finished products between sites.

The investment optimizes logistics infrastructure, enabling a more efficient production: A new 150-meter pipe bridge now connects four production units and 15 manufacturing assets to the new tank farm. Five stainless-steel storage tanks, the tallest measuring 24 meters, provide substantial storage capacity for key raw materials.

As a result, production processes are more stable, supply chains are more resilient and dependence on short-term deliveries is reduced. The new tank farm has expanded the Essen site from 32 to 35 hectares.

As a key production site for the silicone platform, Essen Goldschmidtstrasse is closely linked with other sites in Geesthacht, Obernburg and Wittenburg in Germany, Pandino in Italy, Shanghai in China and Hopewell, Virginia in the United States.

“The investment in Essen strengthens our global production network and further enhances our ability to serve customers reliably around the world,” explained Roberto VilaKeller, head of the responsible Business Line Interface & Polyurethane Additives. “It significantly expands our production capabilities, reduces potential bottlenecks and creates opportunities for future growth in attractive markets.”