WACKER Expands Production Capacity for Specialty Silicones at Zhangjiagang Site

To meet the growing demand for high-quality specialty silicones in the Chinese market, WACKER is expanding the production capacity of its Zhangjiagang site. The new site will produce silicone fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels. Production capacity is expected to be gradually increased in the coming months. WACKER has invested hundreds of millions of euros in the expansion project as planned.

WACKER has been operating successfully in China for more than 30 years. Currently, 37% of sales come from Asia, of which about half come from China.

“Our investment in Zhangjiagang shows that we remain committed to our strategy of ‘being in China, for China’ even in difficult economic times,” said Christian Kirsten, member of the Executive Board of WACKER Group, at the completion ceremony of the production site. “By expanding our silicone production capacity in Zhangjiagang, we can strengthen our specialty products business and consolidate our market position as China’s leading silicone manufacturer.”

The new plant will produce high-purity functional and non-functional silicone fluids and silicone emulsions. Some of the production lines will meet GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) production standards and produce products that can be used in the cosmetics industry.

Another new development at the Zhangjiagang site is the production of silicone elastomer gel, which was previously only produced in Germany and India. Demand for elastomer gel is particularly strong among Chinese manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products.

“This expansion project demonstrates our determination to always stay ahead of market trends and meet diverse consumer needs,” said Wentao Hu, President of Wacker Greater China, at the ceremony. “This project is the largest single investment in Wacker’s production site in 15 years. It is a strategic investment for the future. By increasing our production capacity, we can support long-term growth in the Chinese market. More importantly, we can now support our customers’ product innovations and respond more quickly to current market demands.”