Hargrove and Evonik team on $100 million chemical plant expansion

Mobile, Ala. — Hargrove Engineers + Constructors is teaming with Evonik Industries in Theodore, Ala., to execute a $100 million expansion project, a grassroots new production facility for an Agrochemical Intermediate.

“We strongly believe our ‘One Team’ culture and approach to this expansion when combined with our extensive local engineering talent will allow the Evonik/Hargrove team to execute a high quality project that is both cost effective and schedule efficient,” said Ken Hubacker, PE, Hargrove’s project director. Key management and engineering members of the Evonik project execution team have located in Hargrove’s Mobile, Ala., office for the duration of the project.

The production expansion inside the plant includes a new common facility building for the production units, process plant structure, off-gas and waste water collection tank farm, raw materials and product tank farm, loading/unloading stations, plant-specific utility systems and environmental treatment systems. Construction of the new unit is expected to be completed by late summer 2016.

Hargrove and Evonik teams worked closely to plan this major chemical plant addition by holding interactive planning sessions and project alignment discussions for the detailed design, construction and start-up. A formal groundbreaking took place on July 8, 2015, and early deliveries of equipment and materials are scheduled to start in late July/early August 2015.

Hargrove is also working with Evonik on a sub-project, which includes necessary infrastructure upgrades such as pipe racks, a firewater tank system, utility piping, sleepers, sewer lines, electrical feeders, main substation additions, a railroad addition, loading and unloading station structure, and internal road improvements.

“Evonik and Hargrove are both key players in Mobile’s industrial and engineering landscape, and our partnership illustrates the talent of our workforce,” said Ralph A. Hargrove, president of Hargrove Engineers + Constructors. “This project represents a major investment into our community and is a testament to what Mobile has to offer.”