Evonik Corporation celebrated 40 years of production at its Mobile, Alabama, site with four $10,000 donations to local organizations focused on science, education, workforce training and healthcare. The Mobile specialty chemical manufacturing site is Evonik’s largest in North America with more than 800 employees and an additional 400 contractors, making it one of the largest employers in the Mobile area.

Evonik has selected the following four organizations for its donations:

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center—With more than 150 interactive exhibits, thought-provoking larger-than-life IMAX films, and fun, hands-on educational programming, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center aspires to increase science literacy among the people of south Alabama and the Gulf Coast region, residents and visitors alike.

Advanced Manufacturing Training Center—A 25,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing training facility currently under construction in Mobile in conjunction with Alabama Community College System. The center will provide training and expertise to skilled workers interested in a manufacturing career.

Signature Academy of Industry and Engineering at Theodore High School—Located at the high school closest to Evonik’s facility, the Academy of Industry and Engineering is designed to promote small learning environments that cater to specific student interests. The goal is to facilitate the exploration of college and career options while incorporating mentoring, job shadowing, internships, and other field experiences for students. A number of Evonik employees currently volunteer at the Academy.
Victory Health Partners—A non-profit healthcare organization established under the laws of the State of Alabama to provide a continuum of affordable quality care for the low-income, uninsured population of the greater Mobile area. Victory does not accept insurance or any government funding, but instead is funded by tax-deductible contributions from supporters.

“These organizations represent our corporate values and provide vital services in our local Mobile community,” said Bonnie Tully, vice president and Mobile site manager. “We are proud to celebrate our 40th anniversary of production with these groups and look forward to many more years as a safe and innovative contributor to the local community.”

Evonik celebrated the anniversary at its brand new Employee Activity Center at the site. The 20,000 square foot facility features a cafeteria, conference rooms, and a fitness center for employees. The main cafeteria can also be arranged in an auditorium style to accommodate up to 300 people.

Production originally began in Mobile in December, 1976 with the startup of an Aerosil® fumed silica facility. Power generation units were also brought on line in autumn 1976. The site has now grown to house 27 operating units representing all three business segments. In addition, chemical manufacturers such as Bayer, BASF, United Initiators and QUAB also own production units on site to capitalize on Evonik’s infrastructure and raw material production.

Evonik employs more than 1,000 people in Alabama between its production site in Mobile, and its Birmingham Labs. Birmingham Labs serves as the company’s hub for parenteral drug delivery and commercial drug product manufacturing. Birmingham is also home to Evonik’s Medical Devices Project House which aims to develop new system solutions for medical technology and to expand the competencies of Evonik in the areas of biomaterials and polymers.