Evonik said the project is designed to strengthen its global silicone production network, improve supply reliability and reduce potential manufacturing bottlenecks.

The new infrastructure includes a 150-meter pipe bridge connecting four production units and 15 manufacturing assets with the new tank farm. Five stainless-steel storage tanks provide additional capacity for key raw materials, with the largest tank measuring 24 meters tall.

According to Evonik, the expanded infrastructure will reduce the need to transport intermediates and finished products between production locations, supporting more stable production and reducing dependence on short-term deliveries.

The project increased the Essen site’s footprint from 32 to 35 hectares.

Evonik’s international silicone manufacturing network also includes sites elsewhere in Germany as well as Italy, China and the United States. The company identified its Hopewell, Virginia, facility as part of that network.

The Essen investment was completed while the site remained operational. Approximately 80 Evonik employees and more than 230 contractors from 25 partner companies participated in the project.

Evonik did not disclose the additional production capacity resulting from the expansion or specify how much of the new capacity will serve coatings applications.

Organomodified silicones are widely used as specialty additives to control wetting, surface properties and other performance characteristics in coatings formulations. The €52 million project represents a significant addition to Evonik’s global additives manufacturing network and is intended to strengthen supply reliability for multiple industrial markets.