German specialty chemicals company Evonik announced it is launching an expansion project at its Mobile area manufacturing facility to bolster its animal nutrition business line while also reducing the site’s carbon footprint. Evonik will build a plant at its Mobile County site to produce methyl mercaptan.
Mercaptan is used to manufacture its MetAmino (DL-methionine) product. Methionine is utilized in livestock farming to feed animals in a healthy, efficient, and sustainable manner.
The plant expansion will mean a $176.5 million investment by the chemical maker at its Theodore site. The new plant is scheduled to come online in the second half of 2024.
“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 Kel Boisvert, vice president and site manager for Evonik in Mobile.
“Evonik’s $176.5 million expansion project will positively affect two of Alabama’s dominant industries - chemicals and advanced materials, as well as agriculture,” economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told 1819 News. “Evonik already has its largest North American site in Mobile, making the German company’s significant investment indicative of its confidence in Alabama’s business climate. We look forward to seeing the product of Evonik’s latest expansion news in 2024 and are thankful for their presence in 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,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) said.
Evonik's largest North American site employs 750 employees in the Mobile area. They produce hydrogen peroxide, pyrogenic silica, and the feed additive methionine, among other things there.
The project will strengthen the Mobile County site as a global, best-in-class methionine hub for reliable and cost-optimized supply to markets in the Americas. The site currently receives raw materials from third-party suppliers to produce methionine.
Evonik said that the investment will reduce the carbon footprint of DL-methionine from Mobile by about 7%. More than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents can be saved each year.
The state recently advanced a plan allowing businesses to store surplus carbon dioxide underneath 75,000 acres in Baldwin County.
Greg Canfield is Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“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,” Canfield said. “I’m confident that this investment will become a building block for even more future growth for Evonik in our state.”
David Rodgers is the Vice President of Economic Development for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.
“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.”
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that is necessary for growth. By balancing an animal feed for the essential amino acids rather than for simply crude protein, farmers are able to increase average daily gains, improve feed efficiency, and reduce the waste nitrogen and energy that the animals lose metabolically in their urine and manure, which is good for the environment.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
