ESSEN, Germany - Evonik Industries intends to construct a new production plant for isophorone and isophorone diamine. A suitable site is being sought, and production is scheduled to start in 2013.

“Isophorone chemistry is a core business for Evonik. The market for isophorone and its derivatives is growing steadily and proved to be robust even during the economic crisis. That’s why we want to sustainably strengthen our market and technological leadership by capacity expansion,” said Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries.

Gerd Brand, head of the Crosslinkers Business Line, commented on site selection for the new plant, “We're looking particularly at attractive investment climates in Southeast Asia and China and will take these into consideration when making the final decision for the location of our new plant.” Evonik currently has production sites in Herne and Marl (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), as well as Mobile, AL.