Expansion of Laurolactam in Marl in Response to Strong Demand for Polyamide 12 by Evonik Industries

At a glance

Evonik Industries, based in Essen, Germany, plans to expand its laurolactam production capacities at its Marl site. Laurolactam is a key component in the production of the polymer polyamide 12. The expansion is in response to high demand for Evonik's polyamide business and will help the company maintain its leading position in the market. Evonik's High Performance Polymers Business Line supplies polyamide 12 products to key markets worldwide and offers comprehensive technical support. The additional capacities are expected to be available by the fourth quarter of 2010.

Essen, Germany-based Evonik Industries plans to expand laurolactam production capacities significantly at its Marl site. The extra capacities are expected to be available by the fourth quarter of 2010. Laurolactam is the starting material for the polymer polyamide 12.

“We’re recording persistently high demand for our polyamide business,” explains Dr. Joachim Leluschko, the head of Evonik’s High Performance Polymers Business Line. “That’s why we’ll be further substantial expanding capacities for laurolactam production in Marl.” The move sees Evonik consolidating its globally leading position on the market for polyamide 12 and acting as a reliable partner to secure supplies to its customers into the future.

The High Performance Polymers Business Line markets polyamide 12 as VESTAMID®, an engineering material, and VESTOSINT® powder. It supplies these products to all key markets. At the core, what this business line does is manufacture products specially geared to demand and customer needs. A global sales network, service centers in Europe, America, and Asia, not to mention comprehensive technical service, all serve to ensure the global availability of its high-performance polymers, semi-finished products, and professional technical support.