Evonik Goldschmidt’s Janesville Plant To Evaluate Flood Damage    

Timely Flood Protection, Cooperation With City Officials Protected Local Environment    

JANESVILLE, Wis., (June 25, 2008) – Today, Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation’s Janeville plant started to assess damage from the unprecedented flooding.  

Ceasing production at the plant a week before the Rock River crested, undertaking extensive flood protection measures, and keeping in constant contact with local officials helped mitigate damage to our plant and protect the environment, said Dieter Bettinger, Evonik Goldschmidt Site Manager in Janesville.   

“We are beginning to assess the situation and believe the damage to be not severe,” he continued. “Since the water is receding, we have been able to start inspecting the plant. We want to get back to normal production as quickly – and as safely – as possible.”  

Bettinger noted that Evonik stopped work at its facility at 900 South Palm Street on June 14.  “We are working hard but we do not have a start up date yet,” said Bettinger.  “Production will resume when we and city authorities have determined that it is safe to restart.”  

Over the past 11 days, he added, an experienced team of Evonik employees has manned the site, ensuring the safety and security of all our facilities. I am very proud of how our employees have supported us and the community in this difficult situation.  

Bettinger added that the security and safety of Evonik’s employees, as well as the protection of the environment were the company’s primary concerns during the recent flooding.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who were affected by this unfortunate act of nature,” said Bettinger.  “As a company, we will assist our employees and the community as much as we can.”  

The company continues to work closely with its customers, who are aware of the challenging situation that is occurring in Janesville, Bettinger added.  

Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation’s Janesville site produces ingredients used in everyday essential products such as shampoos, deodorants and shower gels.  

Company information
Evonik Industries is the creative industrial group from Germany which operates in three business areas: Chemicals, Energy and Real Estate. Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, an expert in power generation from hard coal and renewable energies, and one of the largest private residential real estate companies in Germany. Our strengths are creativity, specialization, continuous self-renewal, and reliability. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In its fiscal year 2007 about 43,000 employees generated sales of about Euro 14.4 billion and an operating profit (EBIT) of more than Euro 1.3 billion.  

Disclaimer In
so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.