13 October 2020 - In an operational efficiency initiative, Evonik has announced plans to cluster its DL-methionine production at three international hubs: Mobile, Alabama (the Americas hub), Antwerp, Belgium (Europe hub) and Singapore (Asia hub) – three sites seen to offer opportunities for further expansion and which are ready for cost efficient modular debottlenecking in the future.
Evonik’s plan also includes the closing of its smallest DL-methionine plant located in Wesseling, Germany, by the end of Q1 2021. Evonik has been producing DL-methionine in Wesseling since 1967. Today the Wesseling plant has a capacity of 65,000 tonnes per year.
However, at the Wesseling site, Evonik will also invest about EUR 25 million in the upgrade of its plant for methionine intermediates with a view to safeguard long-term supply to the Antwerp site.
According to Evonik, the plan will lead to a better cost position for the firm through improved utilisation of capacity and with economies of scale and an enhanced ability to adapt to any market condition.
Dr. Emmanuel Auer, head of Animal Nutrition business line at Evonik, said: “The methionine business is important for Evonik, now and in the future. We will adapt to market challenges and prepare our asset set-up for highest efficiency and further optimised cost structures. We have engaged in continuous efficiency measures and programs over the past few years. As part of structural asset optimisation, the time felt right to close the smallest methionine asset.”