Dow Corning and Wacker Open China’s Largest Integrated Silicone Manufacturing Site

22-Nov-2010 - China

After four years of construction, Dow Corning Corporation and Wacker Chemie AG officially inaugurated their joint integrated silicone manufacturing site in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, China. The facility will serve fast-growing demand for silicone materials in China and Asia.

The combined US$1.8 billion investment, covering 1 million square meters, is China’s largest facility of this kind and is among the world’s biggest and most advanced integrated silicone production sites. The integrated site includes a siloxane plant and a pyrogenic silica plant, both of which are jointly owned by Dow Corning and WACKER. The site also features finished silicone production plants which are owned and operated independently by each company.

Siloxane and pyrogenic silica are key ingredients in the manufacture of finished silicone products. Silicone-based materials are used in nearly all sectors of China’s booming economy, including automotive, construction, cosmetics and personal care products, electronics, power generation and distribution, solar energy and textiles.

The landmark project began in 2006, and the first phase of raw material production was launched in 2008. The combined capacity for siloxane and pyrogenic silica is expected to reach approximately 210,000 metric tons per year.

During an opening ceremony held at the site, Dr. Stephanie Burns, Chairman and CEO of Dow Corning Corporation, and Dr. Rudolf Staudigl, President and CEO of Wacker Chemie AG, emphasized the strategic importance of the manufacturing site.

“Today’s inauguration of our integrated silicone manufacturing site represents a milestone for both companies,” Dr. Burns said. “While the economic environment has changed a lot since we broke ground here four years ago, our commitment to and faith in China’s future has never changed. Throughout China and in many other parts of Asia, we see an increasing number of manufacturers using silicones to improve the performance of their products. Our investment in this site significantly enhances our ability to meet that need and to spur growth in many key industries in this region.”

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/126250/dow-corning-and-wacker-open-chinas-largest-integrated-silicone-manufacturing-site.html