WACKER raises production of silicone fluids

WACKER Group has increased the production capacity for functional silicone fluids at its Burghausen site. The additional capacity became operational in early January. WACKER aims to meet  growing global demand for specialty fluids and silicone emulsions in the coatings, paper, textile, cosmetics and personal care industries. Investments in the expansion amount to around €26 million. The expansion raises the plant’s total production capacity by around 70 percent. 

 

At the performance silicones plant in Burghausen, the precursor siloxane and other raw materials are used to make highly specialized functional silicone fluids. They are important starting materials for antifoam, impregnating and release agents and for additives for the construction, coatings, paper, cosmetics and personal care industries.

 

The completion of the company's polysilicon production site in Tennessee has essentially concluded WACKER's investment in full-scale plants for the manufacture of precursors. It is now focusing on plants for intermediates, sales products and specialty products, according to WACKER President and CEO Dr. Rudolf Staudigl at the commissioning ceremony. He added  that the performance silicones plant is a good example of this. 

 

As part of the capacity expansion, production processes were optimized further. Silicone fluids can now be produced even more efficiently with even higher purity. The majority of the plant’s products are processed into high-quality specialty fluids or emulsions in Burghausen or at other sites.