Wacker Chemie AG is expanding its specialty silicone manufacturing capacities in China. A kick-off event at the Zhangjiagang site in Jiangsu Province marks the start of construction of several new production lines, where the company will manufacture functional silicone fluids, silicone emulsions, and silicone elastomer gels. Investments of €150 million have been earmarked for the expansion project. The project has already received all necessary permits from local authorities. The new facilities are scheduled to come on stream in the second half of 2025.

“This expansion project is our largest single investment in Zhangjiagang since the site was officially commissioned in 2010,” said Alvin Hu, president, WACKER, China. “The new production facilities and our expanded research and development activities on site will do more than just strengthen our presence in China – they also underscore our determination to offer even better service to our customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region going forward.”

Christian Kirsten, the WACKER executive board member responsible for the group’s global silicone business emphasized the steady growth in demand for high-quality specialty silicones. “Silicone fluids, emulsions, and gels are used in many kinds of applications today, which is why we anticipate growth to continue,” said Kirsten. Expanding capacity in Zhangjiagang is a logical step in the group’s strategy of continuing to make specialty silicones a larger part of its product portfolio.

Silicone emulsions and elastomer gels from WACKER are typically used in textile, cosmetic and personal-care applications, including skin creams, shampoos, and fabric softeners. Functional silicone fluids are important starting materials for industrial applications such as impregnating or release agents. Other applications for silicone fluids include their use as additives for construction, paper, paints, and coatings.

Zhangjiagang is one of WACKER Group’s largest fully integrated production sites, supplying rapidly growing Asian markets with a wide array of downstream silicone products. Silicones from WACKER are used in traditional application areas in the textile, leather, and fiber industries, as well as for chemical processes and coatings. Moving forward, these products will play a key role in innovative industries, such as electromobility, renewable power generation, and medical technology.

To learn more, visit www.wacker.com.