[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 17952] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING EVONIK DEGUSSA INDUSTRIES IN MOBILE, ALABAMA ON 35 YEARS OF SERVICE IN ALABAMA ______ HON. JO BONNER of alabama in the house of representatives Friday, August 1, 2008 Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Evonik Degussa Industries located in Mobile, Alabama, on 35 years of business and service to our community. Founded as Degussa, the 160 acre site in Mobile was established 35 years ago. Last year, the German chemical company was purchased by Evonik Industries AG and is now operating as Evonik Degussa Industries. With 44,000 employees in over 100 countries around the world, Evonik Industries is the global market leader in specialty chemicals and presently maintains several locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Mobile plant manufactures a range of products from hydrogen peroxide to a binding agent used in more than 250 products ranging from ketchup to paint. The $1.2 billion complex is the company's largest facility outside of Europe with approximately 700 employees. The Mobile plant has announced several new projects just in the last year. In October, Evonik Degussa announced it is adding a new biodiesel project, which will add production of a specialty chemical used to make alternative fuels. Once fully operational, the new plant will have the annual capacity to produce 60,000 metric tons of alkoxides, a catalyst for biodiesel production. Evonik Degussa is also adding a $10 million expansion which will allow for the production of ROHACELL, which is high-tech foam used in a wide-range of products including airplane wings and skis. Earlier this year, Evonik Degussa announced it is considering a $65 million expansion to make a chemical for chicken feed. Evonik Degussa not only creates essentials for everyday use, but the employees and the management team strive to make a positive impact on the citizens of Mobile County through heavy community involvement. The company supports numerous local causes through its ``Essential to the Community'' donation program and gives more than $100,000 each year to the arts, schools, and charitable organizations. In 2006, the Mobile plant donated $115,000 to community activities. These contributions included $55,000 to Mobile civic organizations, $40,000 to educational activities, $10,500 to the arts, and $1,700 to environmental groups. It is evident Evonik Degussa is passionate about serving the Mobile community, and this dedication deserves recognition. Evonik Degussa exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and serves as an outstanding corporate citizen of Alabama. Furthermore, their dedication to improving the lives of their fellow citizens sets them apart from many other companies. Evonik Degussa remains a strong supporter of our community and is a wonderful corporate role model. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating both the employees and management team at Evonik Degussa Industries for 35 years of operations in the Mobile area. I know the employees, their friends, families, and members of the community join with me in praising Evonik Degussa Industries for their many accomplishments. I extend my thanks for their continued service to the Mobile, Alabama business community, the First Congressional District, and the state of Alabama. ____________________