Wacker Chemie Opens Two Tens-of-Millions-of-Euros Production Facilities for Specialty Silicones in Japan and South Korea

This week, Wacker Chemie AG opened two new production facilities for specialty silicones in Japan and South Korea, strengthening the company’s presence in the growth markets of Asia. The new plants, located in Tsukuba, Japan, and Jincheon, South Korea, will meet the growing demand for these products from the automotive and construction industries. In total, Wacker is investing tens of millions of euros in the expansion of production capacity.

Wacker has launched a new production line for silicone thermal interface materials (TIMs) in Tsukuba, Japan. These products are used as gap fillers in electric vehicles, for cooling power electronics and traction batteries.

“With the expansion of our production facilities in Japan and South Korea, we are strengthening our position as a market and technology leader for high-quality silicone solutions in this important growth market in Asia,” said Christian Kirsten, Member of the Executive Board for Silicones at Wacker, at the opening ceremony. “The additional capacities will help us meet growing demand, especially from the local automotive and construction industries. With this move, we are continuing to advance our specialty products strategy in the silicones sector.”

Asia has become one of Wacker’s most important sales regions. “More than 40% of our sales come from Asia, with Japan and South Korea being the main contributors,” emphasized Angela Wörl, member of the WACKER Executive Board and responsible for Asia. “The new production lines in Tsukuba and Jinkawa will enable us to be closer to and better serve our customers in the region.”