Evonik Expansion Doubles In Price

The cost of a long‑planned construction project at Evonik’s plant in Theodore has more than doubled, though public officials say the company is not requesting additional tax incentives, AL.com reports. The Essen, Germany-based chemical manufacturer, now estimates its Theodore plant expansion at $380 million, up from $176.5 million when the project was announced in 2022. Attorney Jay Watkins, representing Evonik, told the Mobile County Commission that inflation, design delays and rising material and labor costs drove the escalation. The County Commission approved an amended agreement with Evonik on June 8. While the updated document was not released because it remains under legal review, commissioners were required to vote due to the higher project cost and a revised construction timeline. The project includes construction of a new facility to produce methyl mercaptan, a key ingredient in Evonik’s MetAmino (DL‑methionine) used in livestock feed. The plant is now expected to open on November 30, years behind schedule. When announced, the expansion was projected to generate $24 million in new state revenue and $26.8 million in new payroll over 20 years, including construction and permanent jobs.