Wacker recently announced that it has opened a new production site for silicones in Panagarh, India. The plant, which is located 160 km northwest of Kolkata, will manufacture silicone rubber and ready-to-use silicone compounds for electromobility, medical technology, and electrical transmission and distribution.

A subsequent expansion stage is planned in the medium term for the production of silicone fluids and silicone emulsions. In order to serve the increasing demand for silicones in India and to consolidate its position as a leading silicone producer, the company will invest a mid-double-digit million euro amount in Panagarh in the next few years. Wacker reports that the first expansion phase will create around 100 new jobs at the site.

Wacker and its India-based joint venture Wacker Metroark Chemicals (WMC) have operated a production site for silicones near Kolkata since 1999. With an area of 165,000 sq m, the new plant is three times the size of the existing site in Amtala. Silicone fluids and silicone emulsions will continue to be produced in Amtala for the cosmetics and personal care industries.

“Panagarh offers excellent infrastructure and very good connections to the Indian railway and road networks,” said Auguste Willems, executive board member, at the opening ceremony. “However, the main benefit of the site is its space. We will use this to significantly expand our production capacity in India and strengthen our market position on the Indian subcontinent. This additional production capacity will double the amount of silicone we produce in India in the medium term.”

Additional details are available at www.wacker.com.