Evonik supplies China with catalysts from new Shanghai production facility

Essen, Germany-based Evonik Industries officially commissioned on June 9, 2010, a new manufacturing plant for precious-metal-powder catalysts in Shanghai (China). The pharmaceuticals, fine-chemicals, and industrial-chemicals sectors use the catalysts made there to manufacture products such as vitamins, pharmaceutical agents, and intermediate products for polyurethane used, among other things, in car-seat foams and refrigerator insulation. Several customers, government agency representatives, and Evonik employees attended the inauguration of the plant. Evonik is the worldwide leader in precious-metal-powder catalysts. In addition to the Shanghai plant, the Group operates similar production sites in Hanau (Germany); Tsukuba (Japan); Americana (Brazil); and Calvert City (Kentucky, USA).

"The new facility now allows us to supply the Chinese market straight from a local source", says Dr. Wilfried Eul, head of Evonik’s Catalysts Business Line. The Shanghai site is ideal, given its proximity to the Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, which are home to a host of pharmaceuticals and fine-chemicals companies. Proximity to Chinese customers means that products and services can be optimally geared to the needs of that industry. "This enables us to participate even more intensely in the booming Chinese pharmaceuticals and fine-chemicals markets and to augment our market position", adds Eul.

With this move, Evonik has now maximized its China services, which include everything from sampling to technical service, catalyst production, and precious metal management. "What this means", explains Tim Busse, Director Asia, Catalysts Business Line, "is that we’re able to act much faster in supplying the types of catalysts our customers need to meet their specific demands." Precious-metal recycling is another of the key services provided in addition to technical service support for customers who employ catalysts. The recycling service, which Evonik provides in close cooperation with Heraeus (www.heraeus.com) in Shanghai, entails recovering precious metal from within China and thereby establishing a closed domestic cycle for precious metals. That creates a clear cost benefit for customers. "The market has appreciated Evonik’s catalysts and their powerful uses, coupled with the comprehensive service we offer," says Busse. This attitude was reflected by the many participants who attended the recently held seminars for customers from the regional pharmaceuticals, colorants, and vitamins industries and the fine-chemicals and agrochemicals sectors.

Evonik is a leading global supplier of catalytic system solutions. It offers an extensive range of catalysts from a single source, as well as integrated services for customers in the life sciences, fine chemicals, industrial chemicals, chemical intermediates, petrochemicals, and polymer industries.