Press release

• First production operations outside Germany
• To come on line in 2008

Marl / Mobile, Ala., – Germany-based Evonik Industries has begun construction of ROHACELL^®’s new rigid polymethacrylimide foam production facility in Mobile, Alabama, at October 8, 2007.

“Our investment in Mobile reflects a strategic decision to bring our products closer to the customer as well as our continued commitment to a region which is appealing for long term growth,” said Dr. Manfred Spindler, member of the Managing Board of Evonik. The world class facility is scheduled to begin operation in mid-2008.

The Evonik Mobile site - the company’s largest multi-user operation in North America - was chosen over a number of locations throughout the world not only because of its excellent logistics but also for its highly trained workforce.

ROHACELL^® high performance foam cores are ideal for the advanced composites industry. In addition to ROHACELL^® sheets, the new Mobile facility will also manufacture net-shaped cores.

ROHACELL^® is a product of Inspec Foams, Inc., a subsidiary reporting to Evonik's High Performance Polymers Business Unit. With 1,040 employees, the business unit generated sales of €422 million in 2006.