Evonik to concentrate MetAMINO® production at its three, world-scale, best-in-class hubs

Essen, Germany. Evonik is to cluster its MetAMINO® (DL-methionine) production at three international hubs (Americas, Europe, and Asia) to maximize economies of scale and utilize robust processes.

Evonik is a leading global manufacturer of DL-methionine, an essential amino acid which is used in modern feed formulation therefore enabling the company to play a pivotal role in addressing sustainable animal protein supply, food safety and animal welfare.

All three of Evonik’s world-scale MetAMINO® plants operate along cost leading, best-in-class technology lines, and offer opportunities for further expansion. They are also ready for cost efficient modular debottlenecking in the future. Evonik believes it is now perfectly positioned for future growth at an improved competitive cost position.

Following this strategy, Evonik is to close the smallest of its MetAMINO® plants with a capacity of 65,000 tons per year, located in Wesseling, Germany, by the end of the first quarter, 2021. In addition, Evonik will invest about €25 million into upgrading its world-scale plant for methionine intermediates in Wesseling to safeguard long-term supply to the Antwerp site and to strengthen its European MetAMINO®-Verbund.

This will lead to a better cost position – through improved utilization of capacity – with economies of scale and an enhanced ability to adapt to any market condition.

Dr. Emmanuel Auer, head of Animal Nutrition business line at Evonik, said: “The methionine business is important for Evonik, now and in the future. We will adapt to market challenges and prepare our asset set-up for highest efficiency and further optimized cost structures. We have engaged in continuous efficiency measures and programs over the past few years. As part of structural asset optimization, the time felt right to close the smallest methionine asset.”

In 2014, Evonik opened its methionine production facility in Singapore. In 2019 the company doubled the nameplate capacity at the site. Today Singapore is the largest DL-methionine production complex in the world with a nameplate capacity of 300,000 tons per year MetAMINO®; a new industry standard for efficient, safe and sustainable operation.

Alongside Singapore, Evonik operates world-scale facilities in Mobile, Alabama, USA; and in Antwerp, Belgium. Evonik has been producing MetAMINO® in Wesseling since 1967.

Evonik Animal Nutrition is a highly reliable, globally operating provider of science-driven products and services for sustainable and efficient production of meat, fish, eggs and milk. The organization is marked by scientific excellence and sensitivity to the needs of its customers and society.