The addition of on-site intermediate manufacturing in Mobile is anticipated to improve supply reliability while lowering transportation risks and carbon emissions.
Evonik, headquartered in Essen, Germany, has completed the backward integration of its DL-methionine manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama, adding on-site manufacturing of the main intermediate methyl mercaptan and completely integrating its global methionine production network as part of its animal nutrients unit.
As per the company, the project finish on-site intermediate manufacturing efforts at its 3 -major methionine manufacturing hubs within the U.S., Belgium and Singapore. Evonik stated the incorporated manufacturing network is meant to improve production efficiency, reinforce supply security and reduce exposure to market volatility.
The company stated manufacturing methyl mercaptan on-site in Mobile reduces the carbon footprint of DL-methionine manufacturing by approximately 7%. The change also eliminates the need to transport hazardous intermediates, decreasing logistical risks and improving safety.
Paulo Teixeira, regional vice president Americas at Evonik Animal Nutrition, stated a reliable regional supply is important for its customers in the Americas. “By manufacturing main intermediates on-site in Mobile, we are less exposed to global supply disruptions and can provide the steadiness our clients – eventually end consumers of food products – need in an increasingly volatile environment.”
Evonik’s DL-methionine, known as MetAMINO, is utilized in livestock manufacturing to assist animal nutrition. As per the company, incorporation manufacturing of main intermediates at each production hub is expected to improve operational resilience whilst helping long-term sustainability goals.
The Mobile declaration follows numerous current investments by Evonik in North America. Earlier this month, the company declared plans to invest $100 million over the next 5 years to modernize production operations at its Tippecanoe Labs facility in Lafayette, Indiana.
The venture includes upgrades to reactors and other production equipment, elevated automation and improvements intended to increase operational efficiency and reinforce U.S.-based manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
