Wacker expands specialty silicones production in China

Wacker has inaugurated a new production complex for silicone oils, emulsions and elastomer gels at its site in Zhangjiagang, China. The investment supports the company’s “in China for China” strategy and strengthens its position as a leading silicone producer in Asia.

Wacker has commissioned a new production complex at its integrated site in Zhangjiagang, eastern China, expanding its manufacturing capacity for specialty silicone products. The facility will produce functional and non-functional silicone oils, high-purity silicone emulsions and, for the first time in China, silicone elastomer gels. Start-up of the new lines will be phased in over the coming months. The company invested a low triple-digit million euro amount in the expansion.

With the new site, Wacker is responding to increasing demand for advanced silicone solutions in the Chinese market, particularly from the cosmetics, textile and construction sectors. Several production lines will operate under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions, enabling their use in sensitive applications such as skincare and personal care.

Largest single investment at the Zhangjiagang site

At the opening ceremony, Executive Board member Christian Kirsten emphasised the importance of the expansion: “This investment underlines our long-term commitment to our successful ‘in China for China’ strategy, even in challenging economic conditions.” Zhangjiagang is one of Wacker’s largest fully integrated production sites in Asia. The company currently generates 37？% of its global sales in the Asia region – about half of which in China.

The project represents the largest single investment in the 15-year history of the site. With the new capacity, Wacker will begin producing elastomer gels previously only manufactured in Germany and India. The move is aimed at meeting strong demand from Chinese customers in the cosmetics and personal care industries.

Wide range of applications across industries

Wacker’s silicone oils are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as release agents, impregnating agents and additives for the construction, coatings and paper sectors. Silicone emulsions and elastomer gels are key ingredients in hair care, make-up and textile treatment products. Alvin Hu, President of Wacker Greater China, stated: “This expansion is a strategic investment in the future. It enables us to better support customer growth, foster product innovation and respond more quickly to market needs.”

In addition to traditional markets like textiles and coatings, Wacker’s silicone technologies also play an increasingly important role in innovative fields such as e-mobility, medical technology and renewable energy.