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 widely utilized in the manufacturing of polyurethane foams for building insulation, mattresses, and automotive seating, as well as in the formulation of advanced adhesives, industrial coatings, and personal care products.

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

As a key production site for 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 potential bottlenecks and creates opportunities for future growth 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 products between sites, this investment optimizes logistics infrastructure for greater efficiency. The facility features a new 150-meter pipe bridge connecting four production units and 15 manufacturing assets directly 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 more stable production processes, resilient supply chains, and reduced reliance on short-term deliveries.

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