- Evonik is investing a two-digit million euro amount in the new plant.
- The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 2.
- The plant will produce stretched PMMA sheets for the aviation industry.
- This is Evonik's second recent investment at the Weiterstadt site.
Investment and Construction
Evonik has commenced construction of a new stretching and polishing plant at its Weiterstadt site, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony on March 2. The company is investing a two-digit million euro amount in this advanced facility, which will produce large-format polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheets for the aviation industry.
Advanced Production Capabilities
The new plant will be the most advanced of its kind globally, located next to the existing production facility for cast PMMA blocks. It will produce stretched PMMA sheets that are more than twice the size of currently available formats, meeting stringent aviation standards such as Mil-P-25690 and EN 4366. These sheets offer higher impact strength and increased chemical resistance compared to cast PMMA materials.
Market Impact
The aviation industry will benefit from the new plant's capabilities, enabling more efficient production of aircraft and helicopter glazing and allowing for new design possibilities, such as larger cabin windows. The market for stretched aircraft materials is growing but currently has limited supplier capacities.
Recent Investments
This project is Evonik's second recent investment at the Weiterstadt site, following the announcement in mid-February of a new production plant for high-grade PMMA flat film, also involving a two-digit million euro investment. These investments reflect the company's confidence in the sustainability and growth potential of its PLEXIGLAS® business.
