Specialty chemicals manufacturer Evonik (Essen, Germany) announced that its multi-purpose silicones manufacturing facility in Geesthact, Germany is fully operational. Small batch runs were produced after the facility passed its final commissioning tests and gained the necessary authority approvals, including essential safety assessments required due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The new Evonik plant in Northern Germany is producing the silicones and silyl-terminated polymers (SMPs) used in, for instance, parquet adhesive flooring, liquid membranes for roofing, and electrical potting applications. With its additional production capacities, Evonik will be able to deliver a faster, more reliable supply of products to its customers, as well as offer them innovative nanotechnologies.

“Fortunately, we commissioned the facility’s new tank farm before the full impact of the COVID-19 virus was realized, but still had testing to do before we could be fully operational,” says Sabine Giessler-Blank, head of the polymer and construction specialties product line. “I’m very proud of our team and our partners’ achievements—as we still managed to complete the project on schedule despite several additional safety measures.”

The new facility’s focus will be on silicone and nanotechnology specialty chemical products, including addition-curing silicones and the SMPs used as binders for adhesives and sealants in a range of applications.

Source: Evonik, www.corporate.evonik.com/en.