Degussa`s methylmercaptan production goes online
All raw materials for methionine available from own production
At the location Wesseling near Cologne, Germany the business unit Feed additives of Degussa AG, Düsseldorf, has established a methylmercaptan plant and successfully started up the production.
Methylmercaptan is an important raw material for the production of the amino acid DL-methionine, which is used as protein component in the animal nutrition. The plant has an annual capacity of approximately 50,000 tons and is well matched to supply Degussa's methionine capacity in Wesseling and Antwerp. With the start up of methylmercaptan, the company is able to manufacture with its own process, all raw materials necessary for the production of DL-methionine.
To keep pace with the growing demand for methionine, Degussa has also announced the construction of the world's largest methionine plant. This new methionine plant will have a capacity of 150.000 tons per year. With this investment decision Degussa will strengthen its position as the world-wide largest manufacturer of amino acids.
Degussa is the only manufacturer that offers all three of the important amino acids for animal nutrition; Dl-methionine, L-lysine (Biolys®) and L-threonine. These amino acids are produced at five locations in four countries. The company's Feed Additives business unit holds the position of world market leader in amino acids. Mepron®, a rumen protected Dl-methionine, nicotinamide as well as calcium formate round off the product range. The business unit Feed Additives generated Euro 570 million in turnover in fiscal year 2002.
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