[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING EVONIK DEGUSSA INDUSTRIES IN MOBILE, ALABAMA ON 35 YEARS OF 
                           SERVICE IN ALABAMA

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Evonik Degussa 
Industries located in Mobile, Alabama, on 35 years of business and 
service to our community.
  Founded as Degussa, the 160 acre site in Mobile was established 35 
years ago. Last year, the German chemical company was purchased by 
Evonik Industries AG and is now operating as Evonik Degussa Industries. 
With 44,000 employees in over 100 countries around the world, Evonik 
Industries is the global market leader in specialty chemicals and 
presently maintains several locations in the United States, Canada and 
Mexico.
  The Mobile plant manufactures a range of products from hydrogen 
peroxide to a binding agent used in more than 250 products ranging from 
ketchup to paint. The $1.2 billion complex is the company's largest 
facility outside of Europe with approximately 700 employees. The Mobile 
plant has announced several new projects just in the last year. In 
October, Evonik Degussa announced it is adding a new biodiesel project, 
which will add production of a specialty chemical used to make 
alternative fuels. Once fully operational, the new plant will have the 
annual capacity to produce 60,000 metric tons of alkoxides, a catalyst 
for biodiesel production.
  Evonik Degussa is also adding a $10 million expansion which will 
allow for the production of ROHACELL, which is high-tech foam used in a 
wide-range of products including airplane wings and skis. Earlier this 
year, Evonik Degussa announced it is considering a $65 million 
expansion to make a chemical for chicken feed.
  Evonik Degussa not only creates essentials for everyday use, but the 
employees and the management team strive to make a positive impact on 
the citizens of Mobile County through heavy community involvement. The 
company supports numerous local causes through its ``Essential to the 
Community'' donation program and gives more than $100,000 each year to 
the arts, schools, and charitable organizations. In 2006, the Mobile 
plant donated $115,000 to community activities. These contributions 
included $55,000 to Mobile civic organizations, $40,000 to educational 
activities, $10,500 to the arts, and $1,700 to environmental groups.
  It is evident Evonik Degussa is passionate about serving the Mobile 
community, and this dedication deserves recognition. Evonik Degussa 
exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and serves as an outstanding 
corporate citizen of Alabama. Furthermore, their dedication to 
improving the lives of their fellow citizens sets them apart from many 
other companies. Evonik Degussa remains a strong supporter of our 
community and is a wonderful corporate role model.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating both 
the employees and management team at Evonik Degussa Industries for 35 
years of operations in the Mobile area. I know the employees, their 
friends, families, and members of the community join with me in 
praising Evonik Degussa Industries for their many accomplishments. I 
extend my thanks for their continued service to the Mobile, Alabama 
business community, the First Congressional District, and the state of 
Alabama.

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