German specialty chemicals company Evonik is planning a $176.5 million expansion project for its Mobile County manufacturing facility.
According to the governor’s office, the expansion will serve to support Evonik’s animal nutrition business line and lessen the site’s carbon footprint.
Evonik’s plans are to construct an on-site plant to produce methyl mercaptan, which is used to manufacture its MetAmino (DL-methionine) product. The chemical compound is used to feed livestock in a healthy manner.
The company’s new plant is expected to begin operations in the latter half of 2024, the governor’s office advised. Evonik’s Mobile site, located in the community of Theodore, currently employs 750 individuals.
Gov. Kay Ivey hailed Evonik’s investment plans and spoke to the company’s presence in the state of Alabama.
“Evonik was one of the first German companies to set up an operation in Alabama, and it’s great to see that its Mobile plant is once again playing a central role in this world-class company’s global growth plans,” said Ivey. “The significant investment Evonik is making in Alabama will not only solidify its industrial presence in Mobile but also allow us to continue to build on this long-standing partnership.”
Presently, Evonik’s Mobile site receives raw materials from third-party suppliers to produce methionine. The company said that the project would position the site as a global, best-in-class methionine hub for markets in the Americas.
Dr. Emmanuel Auer, head of Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business line, touched on the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“In the market we stand for quality, superior supply reliability, and a high level of safety and technology standards in our assets,” said Auer. “The backward integration in Mobile eliminates transportation of hazardous chemicals and shows our continued commitment to responsible care and business sustainability.”
Kel Boisvert, Evonik vice president and Mobile site manager, touted Alabama’s business-friendly economic climate and praised the company’s partnership with state and local governmental entities.
“This project was made possible by the pro-business environment in Alabama and the cooperation of the Governor’s Office, Alabama Department of Commerce, Mobile County, City of Mobile, and Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Boisvert.
According to Alabama Department of Commerce secretary Greg Canfield, the investment could pave the way for Evonik’s continued growth in the state.
“Because Evonik’s culture stands firmly on values such as innovation and sustainability, it is exciting to see the company launch another expansion project at its Mobile facility,” stated Canfield. “I’m confident that this investment will become a building block for even more future growth for Evonik in our state.”
David Rogers, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce vice president of economic development, indicated that the investment proves that the company appreciates the local workforce.
“Evonik is another example of a company that sees value in the local workforce,” said Rodgers. “Evonik has been a great corporate citizen since the 1970s, and this expansion ensures their site in Theodore will remain competitive for years to come.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
