Evonik Industries has received board approval to construct a new production plant for isophorone and isophorone diamine. Production is scheduled to start in 2013. “Isophorone chemistry is a core business for Evonik,” said Klaus Engel, chairman of the executive board of Evonik Industries. “The market for isophorone and its derivatives is growing steadily and proved to be robust even during the economic crisis. That’s why we want to sustainably strengthen our market and technological leadership by capacity expansion.” Evonik currently has production sites in Herne and Marl (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), as well as Mobile (Alabama, USA). Evonik is the only company in the world to produce and market the entire isophorone line, consisting of isophorone, isophorone diamine, isophorone diisocyanate and derivatives. These products are used as an important component in a wide range of applications, for example, in the production of industrial floorings, artificial leather, and paints and coatings as well as in the growth area of high performance composites.