Specialty chemical company Evonik opens a new research, development and innovation (RD&I) hub at its site in Allentown, Pa. The hub reportedly consists of several state-of-the-art testing and processing labs 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 highly paid jobs for scientists, engineers and lab technicians in the Lehigh Valley region around Allentown, according to the company.
By 2030, Evonik says it aims to invest more than $3 billion in next generation offerings - products with superior sustainability benefits. Evonik reportedly will invest an additional $700 million in next generation technologies to optimize production processes and infrastructure and avoid CO2 emissions.
The North America region contributed roughly a quarter (23%) to Evonik's annual sales in 2021, making it the second-largest revenue source after Europe (EMEA), according to the company. Evonik says it has invested several billion dollars in North America since 2017 when the company acquired the specialty additives business of Allentown-based industrial gas producer Air Products.
Evonik's new high performance polymers lab in Allentown allows the processing and testing of plastics for 3D printing, medical implants or performance foams in airplanes or cars. Another lab enables the formulation and testing of additives for industrial coatings. Allentown's polyurethane spray foam testing and emission chamber helps Evonik customers meet environmental and emission standards.
For more information, visit: www.evonik.com
