WACKER commissions specialty-silicone plants at Zhangjiagang, China
- WACKER invested a low three-digit million euro amount to expand the Zhangjiagang site.
- The new complex will produce silicone fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels, with production ramping up over the coming months.
- Selected lines will comply with GMP for cosmetics; elastomer gels were previously produced only in Germany and India.
- WACKER has operated in China for more than 30 years, generates 37% of sales in Asia (with China around half), and calls this the site’s largest single investment in its 15-year history.
Project and investment
WACKER completed mechanical construction of a new production complex at its Zhangjiagang site and plans to ramp up production over the coming months. The company says it invested a low three‑digit million euro amount in the expansion.
Production scope
The new facilities will manufacture high‑purity functional and non‑functional silicone fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels. Selected production lines will meet GMP standards so products can be used in cosmetics; elastomer gels had previously been produced only in Germany and India.
Strategic rationale
WACKER describes the project as part of its ‘‘in China for China’’ strategy to increase specialties capacity and support long‑term growth in China. Executive Board member Christian Kirsten said the added capacity will help grow the specialties business and secure WACKER’s market position in China.
Site role and end‑markets
Zhangjiagang is one of WACKER’s largest fully integrated sites and supplies Asian markets with downstream silicone products such as sealants, elastomers and fluids. The silicones address consumer goods, textiles, construction, cosmetics and industrial applications including release coatings, impregnating agents, and additives for paints, paper and coatings.
Source: wacker.com
