Gov. Ivey announces $176.5M expansion project for Mobile area Evonik facility

Gov. Kay Ivey announced a $176.5M expansion project for the Mobile location of German specialty chemicals company, Evonik. The manufacturing facility expansion will help strengthen its animal nutrition business line while reducing the site’s carbon footprint. Keep reading for all the details.

Helping livestock thrive

Plans were announced on Wednesday, February 23 for Evonik to build a plant at its Mobile site. The plant will produce DL-methionine, a chemical used in Metamino, which aids in healthy, efficient and sustainable feeding for livestock and farm animals.

Evonik plans to invest $176.5M in the major expansion project. The new plant is scheduled to be up and running in late 2024.

“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. The significant investment Evonik is making in Alabama will not only solidify its industrial presence in Mobile but also allow us to continue to build on this long-standing partnership.”

Gov. Kay Ivey

Reducing the carbon footprint

This expansion will allow Evonik to produce its own methionine instead of receiving raw materials to make it from third-party suppliers.

Evonik stands by the project, citing that it will strengthen the Mobile site and provide a reliable, cost-optimized supply of methionine to the Americas.

“In the market, we stand for quality, superior supply reliability and a high level of safety and technology standards in our assets. The backward integration in Mobile eliminates transportation of hazardous chemicals and shows our continued commitment to responsible care and business sustainability.”

Dr. Emmanuel Auer, head of Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business line

The $176.5M investment aligns with Evonik’s sustainability strategy by reducing the carbon footprint of DL-methionine from Mobile by about 7%. This means more than 25,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalents can be saved each year.

Innovation and sustainability values

“Evonik is another example of a company that sees value in the local workforce. 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.”

David Rodgers, Vice President of Economic Development, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Evonik currently employs 750 people at its Mobile County location in Theodore.

With the company prioritizing innovation and sustainability, Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce says he’s looking forward to the new expansion and hopes it can be a building block for future growth in Mobile County.

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