Evonik officially commissioned its second complex for the production of MetAMINO® (DL-methionine) and strategically important precursors in Singapore on June 18, 2019.
“Our methionine complex on Jurong Island, which we commissioned in late 2014 has been a real success story. Now, we want to continue the success story with this second plant,” said Christian Kullmann, chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik, during the opening festivities.
Each plant has an annual production capacity of 150,000 metric tons of DL-methionine, elevating Evonik’s annual global capacity to approximately 730,000 metric tons. The new complex has been modeled on the successful existing plant and has been constructed right next to it. “Synergies from the infrastructure that we set up in 2014, the complete backward integration of both plants into the precursor products, and the joint operation of the entire complex will bring about significant structural efficiency gains,” said Kullmann. In total, Evonik has invested more than half a billion euros in the new complex and has created more than 100 additional jobs at the site.
Evonik produces MetAMINO® in world-scale plants in Antwerp (Belgium), Wesseling/Cologne (Germany), Mobile (Alabama, USA), and in Singapore. This global production network ensures the highest supply security for its customers.
As Johann-Caspar Gammelin, chairman of the board of management of Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, explained, the demand for the methionine amino acid for animal nutrition in Asia continues to show strong growth. “On the one hand, the growing consumer affluence in Asia supports the increasing demand for animal protein. On the other, producers are increasingly focusing on more sustainable production of meat, eggs, milk, and fish. We are proud that our MetAMINO® plays a key role in supporting these efforts,” says Gammelin.
DL-methionine is an essential amino acid which must be ingested as part of healthy nutrition. When added to poultry and pig feed, the crude protein content in the feed can be reduced, which benefits the animal organisms, and also reduces the impact on the environment. Through its contribution to efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly animal nutrition, the feed additive is an important component in providing a sustainable supply of animal protein for the world’s growing population.