Evonik breaks ground on new production plant.
Chemical giant, Evonik Industries has today officially begun construction on a new plant for the production of specialty polyamide 12 (PA12) powders in Marl, Germany.
With investment described as being in the “mid-double-digit million euro range”, the new facility will increase annual production capacity for its VESTOSINT brand of PA12 powders by 50 percent. The new plant is scheduled to open at the end of 2017.
VESTOSINT is a modified PA12 powder produced from polyamide granules by a special proprietary process at Evonik’s Marl site.
Dr. Ralph Sven Kaufmann, Chief Operating Officer of Evonik, commented: "Organic growth is an essential cornerstone of our long-term growth strategy, which is why we’re continually investing in new capacities and innovative products. With the Marl investment we’re also further consolidating our leading position as a supplier of polyamide 12 based high-performance polymers."
Dr. Claus Rettig, Chairman of the Management Board of Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH, added: "Our polyamide 12 powders are targeted at highly attractive markets such as the coatings industry and additive manufacturing. We see strong potential for growth here. New production capacities in Marl will enable us to service the growing demand for specialty high-performance polymers."
Air duct component for engine component 3D printed with VESTOSINT.
Evonik’s Resource Efficiency Segment is the market leader in polyamide 12 powders, which are marketed under the VESTOSINT brand name. The powders are used in various applications including the automotive and medical markets and in metals coating for household goods.
For many years Evonik has also been developing specialty polymer powders for 3D printing. VESTOSINT has proved highly suited to 3D printing thanks to its high quality, property profile and processing behaviour. Most recently Evonik was named as one of HP’s partners in its open material initiative which invites materials manufacturers to co-develop certified materials for HP’s Jet Fusion 3D printing technology.
