The 40,000-square-foot facility now integrates the latest state-of-the-art production technology and runs on 100% purchased renewable electricity. This investment will help meet the region’s long-term demand for high-performance polyamides, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and other advanced materials such as Akulon
PA6/PA66, Arnite PET/PBT, Arnitel TPC, EcoPaXX PA410, ForTii PA4T/PA and Stanyl
PA46. Arnitel TPC is a high performance thermoplastic copolyester.

Rising customer demand for advanced material solutions for vehicle electrification and supporting infrastructure, as well as lightweight technologies across multiple industries, has driven the large-scale upgrade and expansion of the site. A key consideration in project planning is enhancing the company’s ability to produce more sustainable bio-based and recyclable materials. The company has made a global commitment to produce alternatives based on bio- and recycled materials for its entire material portfolio by 2030.

In addition to the transition to 100% renewable electricity, the project includes a number of advanced energy-saving measures. The well-insulated structure is ventilated for optimum personnel health and comfort, while emissions are decontaminated to meet stringent environmental and safety standards. Cooling uses environmentally friendly, non-flammable refrigerants. All compounding lines use variable speed drives to reduce energy consumption, which can be further reduced by optimized equipment control.

Roeland, President, DSM Engineered Materials
Polet said, “Our investment in the latest production equipment reduces energy consumption at our Evansville facility and reduces our environmental impact. Through this project, we also aim to strengthen by continuing to invest in key areas of sustainable growth. Our business partnerships. In addition, North America is a key growth market for our business, and this investment reinforces our focus on this market.”

Dave Miller, Evansville Site Director, DSM Engineered Materials
Added: “Investing in state-of-the-art technology provides short- and long-term value. Providing optimal health and comfort for all of our colleagues – while increasing productivity – has the positive results we are seeing today, and this investment underscores our Commitment to sustainable development and reducing long-term environmental impact.
By producing more bio-based and recyclable-based materials, we will have the ability to help more customers do the same. ”

The center consists of several state-of-the-art testing and processing laboratories as well as a pilot plant. It also features a newly designed collaboration space to support a hybrid and creative work environment. The expansion will create 50 high-paying jobs for scientists, engineers and laboratory technicians in the Lehigh Valley area near Allentown.

The establishment of the innovation center is part of the German company’s broader research, development and innovation (RD&I) globalization strategy. Evonik CFO Ute
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Allentown’s Innovation Center, Wolf said: “We are strengthening our regional R&D innovation centers in Asia and North America to benefit from innovative ideas outside of Europe and to be closer to our customers in these regions. The new center will bring Allentown The site becomes our premier research center, business center and innovation center in North America.”

By 2030, Evonik aims to invest more than $3 billion in next-generation solutions – products with outstanding sustainability benefits.
Evonik will invest an additional $700 million in next-generation technologies to optimize production processes and infrastructure and avoid CO2 emissions.

North America is an important growth market for Evonik. The region contributes about a quarter (23%) of Evonik’s annual sales in 2021, making it the second largest region after Europe (EMEA)
the second largest source of income. Evonik has acquired Allentown-based industrial gas producer Air since 2017
Evonik has invested billions of dollars in North America since its specialty additives business.

Evonik currently employs 300 people at the Allentown site, which is adjacent to Philadelphia, New York City, and is surrounded by many first-class research institutions.

Evonik’s new high-performance polymer laboratory in Allentown allows the processing and testing of plastics such as high-performance foams for 3D printing, medical implants and aircraft or automobiles.
Another laboratory is able to formulate and test additives for industrial coatings. Allentown’s state-of-the-art polyurethane spray foam testing and emissions chambers help Evonik customers meet environmental and emissions standards.

The Innovation Center also features flexible collaboration spaces to support and enhance hybrid work environments.
The uniquely designed space provides employees with an open area in the common office where they can work on-site. Employees can also use technology such as digital whiteboards or video conferencing tools.

The company will purchase more than 100 acres in Bureau County to house a future 450,000-square-foot facility to manufacture GAF’s line of EnergyGuard products. It is expected to break ground in the third quarter of this year and start production in 2024.

Jim GAF CEO
“GAF’s growth has been driven by a deep commitment to serving our customers with innovative products and service excellence,” said Schnepper. “The investment in Bureau County clearly demonstrates this commitment. Peru’s proximity to our customer base, transportation infrastructure and excellent manufacturing and engineering talent, making it an ideal location for us to continue to grow.”

Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) insulation is a versatile, high-performance insulation solution commonly used as continuous insulation for roofs and walls. It is often used in sustainable or green building applications. All polyisocyanate roof insulation produced by GAF is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning it has been tested to standards and certified to be low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).

John GAF Commercial Roofing Executive Chairman
Altmeyer said. “This is an exciting time for our business and an important step in our goal of becoming a leader in the commercial roofing industry, and expanding manufacturing capacity is critical to continuing to provide top-notch service to our customers. Bureau County is An ideal location for us to expand polyisocyanate insulation production and continue to innovate to meet our customers’ current and future needs.”

The new facility will join the company’s four existing polyisocyanate operations in Cedar City, Utah: Gainesville, Texas; Statesboro, Georgia; and New Columbia, Pennsylvania.

Ken, Mayor of Peru, Illinois
Kolowski said: “Today is an important day for the city of Peru as we continue our efforts to expand the employment base in Peru. As a leader in modern manufacturing, we know GAF will be a great asset to this community, bringing high-quality jobs and an appetite for innovation. A real commitment that will benefit this city for years to come. We thank everyone who has played a role in helping bring this opportunity to Peru.”