Evonik ramps up production capacity for biomaterials

• Facility expansion for the production of RESOMER® polymers in Birmingham (Alabama, USA) 
• Part of a global expansion plan aimed at solidifying Evonik’s leadership in the bioresorbable polymer market 
• Plan includes the opening of a second applied technology laboratory for medical devices in Darmstadt in late 2016

Essen (Germany). Evonik is expanding its production facilities in Birmingham (Alabama, USA) and Darmstadt (Germany). This will create additional capacity for the production of biodegradable polymers marketed globally under the brand names RESOMER® and RESOMER® SELECT. These poly-lactic-glycolic-acid (PLGA) copolymers are primarily used to manufacture bioresorbable medical devices and controlled-release formulations for parenteral drug delivery.

"We expect the global demand for biodegradable polymers to continue to grow in the coming years," explains Paul Spencer, Head of Biomaterials at Evonik’s Health Care Business Line. "With this in mind, we are currently investing to increase the capacity of our production facilities in order to serve our global customer base."

The expansion will involve construction of a new building adjacent to Evonik’s existing facility in Birmingham. Besides greater production capacity, the project will also result in new production clean rooms and a laboratory for polymer contract research projects. Commissioning is slated for late 2018.

The expanded plant in Birmingham is the second investment to serve the growing market demand after the inauguration of the new manufacturing site in Darmstadt two years ago. The Darmstadt unit capacity will also be increased with the opening of a new production line. "By serving the market from two state-of-the-art locations, Evonik strengthens its role as a reliable partner for its customers and underpin its commitment to this market" adds Spencer.

Moreover, Evonik will open an applied technology laboratory in Darmstadt at the end of the year to support its customers in the medical device field. Its first facility of this kind was completed in 2015 in Shanghai (China). At these laboratories, customers receive prompt support for product development and training in the use of Evonik products.