90 years history in China

Curt Brahn opened his own correspondent office in Shanghai under the name “Degussa C. Brahn Correspondence,” located in 133, Yuen Ming Yuen Road. This office was entrusted with the entire product range of Degussa and individual subsidiaries, though it did not sell the products itself. The correspondent office provided technical support for customers of Degussa products and was also responsible for initiating new business contacts.

Degussa China Ltd. was established in Hong Kong for the sale and distribution of Degussa goods and commercial products in Hong Kong, Macau, and China.

The foundation stone was laid in the Xinzhuang Industrial Park in Shanghai.

Degussa (China) Co., Ltd. was established in Beijing as the umbrella company for the Group’s chemicals activities in the region. It has provided the resources and competencies required to support the profitable growth of our businesses in China.

Degussa AG opened a research and development center in Shanghai, with a total investment of over €12 million.

To facilitate the establishment of new business activities in China, in 2004 we embarked on the construction of a multi-user site (MUSC) in Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP).

Nanning site as a wholly owned subsidiary to produce amino acid and amino acid derivative.

Establishment of Changchun, Rizhao and Nanping sites to produce polyetheretherketone (PEEK), rubber silane and precipitated silica respectively.

Due to the formation of Evonik Industries AG from sections of the RAG Group and Degussa AG, the former Degussa (China) Co. Ltd. was renamed Evonik Degussa (China) Co. Ltd.


In September, Evonik held the groundbreaking ceremony for the integrated production plant for the manufacture of methyl methacrylates (MMA) and methacrylate specialties in SCIP, with a volume of€250 million.

The Shanghai R&D center was expanded by adding 15, 000 m² with an investment of over €10mio.

Evonik announced to invest more than €350 million in the construction of new production capacities for specialty chemicals in China. In parallel with the expansion of local production capacities, Evonik was significantly increasing its innovation activities in Asia. €23 million was being invested in further expansion of the Group’s R&D Center in Shanghai.In April, Evonik’s first project house outside Germany was established in Taiwan.

In October, Evonik launch the start-up for the new organic production facility in SCIP for cosmetic and household products as well as industrial applications based on renewable resources.

The new research and development building is inaugurated. This is the third expansion of our R&D center in Shanghai since its opening in 2004. The rapidly increasing demand for R&D facilities in Shanghai reflects our strong focus on ‘innovation in China for China’.

In July, Evonik commenced isophorone facilities in China, which would primarily serve customers in the coatings and paint, construction, adhesives, and composite industry in Asia.

Evonik opened its new ROHACELL® plant in Shanghai in January, providing innovative structural foam products used worldwide in a variety of industries including aviation, automotive, electronics, medical and sports equipment.

A new production facility for organically modified specialty silicones was constructed in Shanghai (China).

Evonik upgrades Shanghai site into Evonik Shanghai Innovation Park.

New fumed silica plant by Evonik and Wynca goes on stream in Zhenjiang.