Evonik is a leading global manufacturer of DL-methionine, an essential amino acid which is used in modern feed formulation, therefore enabling the company to play a pivotal role in addressing sustainable animal protein supply, food safety and animal welfare.

All three of Evonik's world-class MetAMINO plants operate along cost-leading, best-in-class technology lines and offer opportunities for further expansion. They are also ready for cost efficient modular debottlenecking.

Following this strategy, Evonik will close the smallest of its MetAMINO plants -- which has a capacity of 65,000 tonnes per year -- located in Wesseling, Germany, by the end of the first quarter, 2021. In addition, Evonik will invest about €25 million (US$29.47 million) into upgrading its world-class plant for methionine intermediates in Wesseling to safeguard long-term supply to the Antwerp site and strengthen its European MetAMINO-Verbund. This will lead to a better cost position through improved utilisation of capacity with economies of scale and an enhanced ability to adapt to any market condition.

Dr. Emmanuel Auer, head of animal nutrition business line at Evonik, said: "The methionine business is important for Evonik, now and in the future. We will adapt to market challenges and prepare our asset set-up for highest efficiency and further optimised cost structures. We have engaged in continuous efficiency measures and programmes over the past few years. As part of structural asset optimisation, the time felt right to close the smallest methionine asset."

In 2014, Evonik opened its methionine production facility in Singapore. In 2019, the company doubled the nameplate capacity at the site.

Today, Evonik's Singapore site is the largest DL-methionine production complex in the world, producing at a capacity of 300,000 tonnes of MetAMINO per year. The site also represents a new industry standard for efficient, safe and sustainable operation.

In addition to Singapore, Evonik operates world-class facilities in Mobile, Alabama, the United States, and in Antwerp, Belgium.