Solutia cuts workforce

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Solutia Inc. laid off more than 330 workers at its plants in Pensacola and Foley, Ala., on Friday in a restructuring of its nylon manufacturing business. The layoffs include 200 Solutia employees and 340 contract workers. About 200 workers in Pensacola and 58 in Foley will be rehired when demand for nylon fibers and resins picks up, the company said. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, Mobile Press Register, 11/22/08)

Crosslinks partners with USM

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi signed a lease agreement with Missouri-based Crosslink to provide research space in the university's polymer science building. Crosslink has worked with Southern Miss polymer science researchers since 2004. Previous collaborations include a variety of projects in polymer-related technologies, particularly for military applications. Crosslink and USM hold a joint patent for a corrosion-inhibiting polymer and are working on a "smart" aerospace composite that can alert crew of damage and initiate repair on its own. (Source: University of Southern Mississippi, 11/20/08)

Evonik unveils $10M facility

MOBILE, Ala. - Evonik Industries AG on Wednesday dedicated a new $10 million facility in Theodore that produces Rohacell, a lightweight but strong foam used in everything from airplane wings to high-end sports equipment. The 40,000 square-foot Evonik Degussa facility started production several months ago. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/20/08)

Theodore plant candidate for expansion

MOBILE, Ala. - Evonik Degussa Corp. is considering its Theodore site for a $160 million expansion to make a nylon used in protective coating. If chosen, the plant would get 56 additional jobs to add to the current 680 employees. Three other sites in the U.S. as well as Singapore and China are being considered for the project. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/14/08)