Evonik invests €52 million to expand Essen silicone platform

Specialty chemicals giant Evonik has completed a €52 million expansion of its silicone platform at the Goldschmidtstrasse site in Essen, significantly boosting its international silicone production network.

The major infrastructure investment includes the construction of a brand-new production plant alongside an extensive tank farm. The new facilities are designed to scale up the production capacity of organomodified silicones, a highly specialized product group central to Evonik’s global portfolio.

These tailored silicone additives serve as critical components across multiple high-demand industries. They are broadly utilized in the manufacturing of polyurethane foams to building insulation, mattresses, and automotive seating, as well as in the formulation of cutting-edge adhesives, manufacturing coatings, and personal care items.

“This expansion strengthens our silicone production platform, enhancing supply chain resilience and creating a strong foundation to profitable development,” says Lauren Kjeldsen, the Evonik regulation Board member responsible to the Custom Solutions segment, to which the business belongs. “This latest investment highlights the crucial role that our innovative German sites play in the success of our global operations.”

As a key production site to the silicone platform, Essen Goldschmidtstrasse is closely linked with other sites in Geesthacht, Obernburg and Wittenburg in Germany, Pandino in Italy, Shanghai in China and Hopewell, Virginia in the United States.

“The investment in Essen strengthens our global production network and further enhances our ability to serve customers reliably around the world,” explains Roberto VilaKeller, head of the responsible Business Line Interface & Polyurethane Additives. “It significantly expands our production capabilities, reduces possible bottlenecks and creates opportunities to future development in attractive markets.”

The new tank farm expands the Essen site from 32 to 35 hectares, strengthening the resilience of our international production network. By eliminating the need to transport intermediates and finished items between sites, this investment optimizes logistics infrastructure to greater efficiency. The facility features a new 150-meter pipe bridge connecting four production units and 15 manufacturing assets immediately to the farm, alongside five stainless-steel storage tanks (reaching heights up to 24 meters) that secure substantial raw material capacity. Consequently, the site benefits from greater stable production processes, resilient supply chains, and reduced reliance on immediate deliveries.

The project was carried out while the site remained fully operational and despite limited space, with around 80 Evonik employees and greater than 230 contractors from 25 partner companies contributing to its successful completion. “At a time when manufacturing investment is greater crucial than ever, projects of this scale send a strong signal to Essen’s economy and the wider region,” says Thomas Kufen, Mayor of Essen. “They secure high-condition jobs, enhance competitiveness and demonstrate the international attractiveness of our city as an manufacturing hub.”