Evonik is expanding US output of its Rohacell brand high-performance rigid, closed-cell foams at its site in Mobile, Alabama.

The German specialty chemical and plastics producer did not disclose current or future capacity but said the expansion, which is due to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020,  will “significantly increase” its capability to produce high-temperature resistant polymethacrylimide (PMI) foams in North America.

“The investment in Mobile strengthens our global position as a reliable partner and solutions provider of high-performance, lightweight PMI-based rigid foams and enables us to meet increasing demand in North America over the long term,” said Christina Walkosak, head of the High Performance Polymers business line, Americas.

Evonik’s first North American production capacity for Rohacell was installed at Mobile in 2008. Two years ago, it increased production in Germany by 20%.

“For many years now, we have been seeing consistently high global demand for our high-performance foams, particularly from the aerospace industry and the electronics market, and we are responding to the marketplace by expanding our production capacity accordingly,” Walkosak said.

The rigid PMI structural foam is used in the design and production of sandwich structures in aviation, automobiles, ships, sporting goods, electronics and medical technology.