Evonik invested €52 million to strengthen and expand its silicone production platform at its Essen Goldschmidtstrasse site in Germany. The investment includes a new production plant and a large tank farm, increasing the company’s manufacturing capacity for organomodified silicones. These specialised additives serve several industries, including polyurethane foams for insulation materials, mattresses and automotive seating, as well as adhesives, coatings and personal care products.
Increased Production Capacity for Organomodified Silicones
The facility strengthens Evonik’s international silicone production network while supporting growing demand for customised silicone additives. These products play an important role in improving the performance and functionality of various industrial and consumer applications. Lauren Kjeldsen, Evonik Management Board member responsible for the Custom Solutions segment, said the expansion would strengthen the company’s silicone production platform, improve supply chain resilience and establish a strong foundation for profitable growth. She also highlighted the contribution of the company’s German production sites to its global operations.
Strengthening the Global Silicone Production Network
Essen Goldschmidtstrasse serves as a key manufacturing hub within Evonik’s global silicone network. The site works closely with production facilities in Geesthacht, Obernburg and Wittenburg in Germany, Pandino in Italy, Shanghai in China, and Hopewell, Virginia, in the United States. According to Roberto Vila-Keller, head of the Business Line Interface and Polyurethane Additives, the investment strengthens the global production network and improves the company’s ability to serve customers reliably worldwide. Furthermore, the expanded production capabilities will help reduce potential bottlenecks and create opportunities for growth in attractive markets.
New Infrastructure Improves Operational Efficiency
The expansion also improves logistics infrastructure and reduces the need to transport intermediates and finished products between production sites. As part of the project, Evonik constructed a 150-metre pipe bridge connecting four production units and 15 manufacturing assets to the new tank farm. In addition, the tank farm features five stainless-steel storage tanks, with the tallest reaching 24 metres. These tanks provide substantial storage capacity for essential raw materials, helping stabilise production processes, strengthen supply chain reliability and reduce dependence on short-term deliveries. The infrastructure has expanded the Essen site’s total area from 32 to 35 hectares, providing additional capacity for future development.
Major Project Completed Without Disrupting Operations
Evonik completed the expansion while keeping the Essen site fully operational, despite space constraints. Approximately 80 Evonik employees and more than 230 contractors from 25 partner companies contributed to the successful execution of the project. Thomas Kufen, Mayor of Essen, welcomed the investment, noting that projects of this scale provide an important boost to the regional economy. He highlighted their contribution to securing high-quality jobs, strengthening industrial competitiveness and reinforcing Essen’s position as an internationally attractive industrial hub.
Essen Positioned as a Centre of Excellence
As per the press release, the investment also aligns with Evonik’s long-term development strategy for its major production sites. The company has established specific strategic roles for six key locations: Essen Goldschmidtstrasse, Marl, Wesseling, Darmstadt/Weiterstadt, Rheinfelden and Hanau.
Under this strategy, Essen Goldschmidtstrasse will serve as a Centre of Excellence for Customer-Specific Formulations. This positioning reinforces the site’s importance in developing specialised solutions, supporting customers and strengthening Evonik’s global silicone business.
