Wacker Expands Silicone Elastomer Production in China

Wacker recently inaugurated a new production line for silicone elastomers at its Zhangjiagang site in China. With an annual capacity of several thousand metric tons, the facility will reportedly help support Wacker’s future growth path in China and improve the availability of high-consistency silicone rubber (HCR) in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Wacker, the plant’s cutting-edge equipment includes kneaders that are essential for manufacturing high quality HCR grades.

“Today’s event not only is another milestone in Wacker’s efforts to expand its operational footprint in China, but also shows our determination to further serve and develop local and regional markets,” said Paul Lindblad, president of Wacker Greater China, at the inauguration ceremony. “The new manufacturing line will contribute significantly to our silicone rubber production capacity. This will enable us to improve our service to customers and business partners, who are willing to grasp the opportunities in today’s ever-changing and increasingly sophisticated marketplace.”

According to Christian Gimber, vice president of Engineering Silicones, “High consistency rubbers are widely used, and we expect them to continue on their growth path. Today, [China] is the single largest market for silicone elastomers in the world.”

Wacker’s new production line is located in a new building complex covering 2,000 sq m. The facility’s kneaders are currently the largest of their kind in the industry, according to the company.

For more information, visit www.wacker.com.