Following authorization by its Supervisory Board, Degussa AG of Dusseldorf, Germany, has announced plans to set up a new production unit for the solvent isophorone and its derivatives in Herne, Germany. The unit, which involves an investment in the high double-digit million euro range, is to take up operation in 2007. With its Coatings & Colorants Business Unit, Degussa is the global market leader in all stages of isophorone chemistry. The company already operates three isophorone production lines: one in Mobile, AL, and two in Herne, with 350 employees total. In addition to safeguarding existing jobs in Herne, the new unit will enable the creation of several dozen direct and indirect new jobs.

For more information, visit www.degussa.com.