- Over €100 million is earmarked for capacity expansion.
- Significant LSR capacity expansions will be available in the second half of this year.
- New HCR capacities will be available early next year in India, Czech Republic, and Japan.
- Additional expansion measures are considered for sites in China, USA, and Germany.
Investment and Expansion Plans
To meet growing demand for silicone rubber, Wacker Chemie AG is accelerating the expansion of its production capacities. Investment projects are either in the planning stage or nearing completion, with significant capacity expansions for liquid silicone rubber (LSR) expected in the second half of this year and coming into full effect in 2023. Over €100 million have been earmarked for this capacity boost.
Global Production Sites
WACKER plans to increase production volumes for high consistency rubber (HCR) at several sites. New capacities will be installed at the US-based production site in Adrian, Michigan, to better serve the North and Central Americas market from next year onwards. Substantial capacity expansions are also planned for HCR grades, starting with a new production site in Panagarh, India, which will start production shortly. Additional HCR capacities will be available early next year at the company’s sites in the Czech Republic (Pilzen) and Japan (Tsukuba).
Future Expansion Considerations
To better meet long-term demand, WACKER is considering additional expansion measures at its sites in Zhangjiagang (China), Charleston (Tennessee, USA), and Burghausen (Germany). The Group also intends to expand its pyrogenic silica production in Zhangjiagang, which enhances the mechanical properties of silicone rubber and is a key ingredient.
Silicone Rubber Applications
Silicone rubber consists of silicone polymers and fillers, crosslinked to produce elastomers. It is classified as high-consistency rubber (HCR), room-temperature vulcanizing rubber (RTV), or liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Silicone elastomers are used in automotive and mechanical engineering, electronics, textiles, baby articles, toys, household appliances, sports articles, and construction.
