Wacker and Dow Corning expand facility in China to meet demand for silicones

The new plant manufacturing pyrogenic silica is part of a one million sq meter site that also produces siloxane, for the cosmetic and personal care industry as well as others, in China.

“Demand for advanced silicone products is growing – in China and globally​”, said Dr. Wilhelm Sittenthaler, board member of Wacker Chemie AG.

“The new facility will allow us to respond quickly to local market needs and to improve customer services in the region. We are further able to provide silicone products that meet international quality standards and thus drive the sustainable development of the silicone industry in China​.”

Meeting and enabling growth​

The combined production capacity of the site including the new plant is expected to rise to 210,000 metric tons per year, according to Wacker.

This expansion follows the manufacturing site’s opening last year which included the inauguration of two initial production facilities for siloxane and pyrogenic silica.

“Our investment in this site significantly enhances our ability to meet the growing needs for silicone and to help spur the growth of many key industries in this region​,” stated Bridget Sparrow, global business vice president, Dow Corning.

The exact figure of the investment for the new plant was not disclosed however, the two companies stated it to be a ‘mid double-digit million euro sum’.

Multi-functional uses​

Siloxane and pyrogenic silica are key ingredients in the manufacturing of finished silicone products.

Pyrogenic silica is a specialty chemical used as a flow aid in cosmetics and siloxane is a starting ingredient in the production of silicones.

Both companies also operate manufacturing plants for finished silicone products at the site.