Responding to rising demand for high-quality specialty silicones in China, WACKER is expanding its production capacities at its Zhangjiagang, China, site. The group recently held a ceremony to celebrate the mechanical completion of the facilities. Going forward, the new production complex will manufacture silicone fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels. Production is to be ramped up over the coming months. As planned, WACKER has invested a low-three-digit million-euro amount in the expansion project.

“Our investment here in Zhangjiagang shows that we are committed to our successful ‘in China for China’ strategy, even in economically challenging times,” said Executive Board member Christian Kirsten at a ceremony marking the completion of the production complex. WACKER has been operating successfully in China for more than 30 years. It currently generates 37% of its sales in Asia, with China accounting for around half of this amount. “By expanding our silicone capacities in Zhangjiagang, we are able to strengthen our specialties business. This secures our market position as a leading manufacturer of silicones in China,” explained Kirsten.

The products manufactured in the new facilities include high-purity functional and non-functional silicone fluids as well as silicone emulsions. Another new development in Zhangjiagang is the production of silicone elastomer gels, up to now only manufactured in Germany and in India. Elastomer gels are particularly in demand from Chinese manufacturers of cosmetics and personal-care products.

Silicone fluids are frequently used in the consumer goods, textile and construction sectors, while silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels are typically used in textiles, cosmetics and personal-care applications, including makeup, shampoos and fabric softeners. Functional silicone fluids are important starting materials for industrial applications such as release coatings or impregnating agents. Other applications for silicone fluids include their use as additives for construction, paper, paints and coatings.

Zhangjiagang is one of WACKER’s largest fully integrated production sites. Learn more about WACKER at www.wacker.com.