Wacker Expands Capacity for Specialty Silicones in China
Wacker Chemie started the construction of several new production lines to expand its specialty silicone manufacturing capacities at the Zhangjiagang site in Jiangsu Province, China. At the site, which is one of Wacker’s largest fully integrated production sites, the globally operating chemical group will produce functional silicone fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels. Investments of some €150 million are planned for the expansion project, Wacker said.
“This expansion project is our largest single investment in Zhangjiagang since the site was officially commissioned in 2010,” said Alvin Hu, president of Wacker China. “Demand from customers in China is growing steadily,” he added, “especially for innovative specialty silicones.”
Christian Kirsten, Wacker’s executive board member responsible for the group’s global silicone business, commented: “Silicone fluids, emulsions and gels are used in many kinds of applications today, which is why we anticipate growth to continue. Expanding capacity in Zhangjiagang is a logical next step in the group’s strategy of continuing to make specialty silicones a bigger part of its product portfolio.”
The project has already received all necessary permits from local authorities. The new facilities are scheduled to come on stream in the second half of 2025.
