Evonik, a creative industrial group from Germany and one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, is making substantial investments in China as well as the rest of Asia to strengthen its market leadership position in the region.

It has invested over 100 million euros ($130 million) each in the construction of an integrated production complex for isophorone and isophorone diamine in Shanghai and in a hydrogen peroxide plant in Jilin province.

The company is investing in an integrated facility for organic specialty surfactants in Shanghai. The plants are scheduled to go on stream in about two years.

As well as stepping up investments in China, Evonik is building a new production complex for the amino acid DL-methionine for animal nutrition in Singapore.

Along with expansion of local production capacities, Evonik has significantly increased its innovation activities in Asia.

Approximately 18 million euros ($23 million) would be invested in expansion of the group's R&D Center in Shanghai.

In April 2011 Evonik's first project house outside Germany was established in Taiwan. It focuses on new products and technologies for the photovoltaic, displays, LED and lighting industries. Evonik undertakes interdisciplinary research with cooperation partners and universities.

"Our investment decisions in Asia and the expansion of R&D activities in this region go hand in hand with our long-term strategy for Asia," said Klaus Engel, chairman of Evonik's executive board.

Between 2006 and 2010 Evonik invested 700 million euros ($907 million) in Asia.

The main products were the integrated methacrylate chemistry complex in Shanghai, an H2O2 plant in Ulsan, South Korea, and production facilities for monosilane and precipitated silicas in Japan's Yokkaichi.