MUNICH – The Munich-based WACKER Group has expanded its production capacity for functional silicone fluids at its Burghausen, Germany, site. With the new expansion stage, which came on stream in early January, WACKER is meeting the rising global demand for specialty fluids and silicone emulsions in the coatings, paper, textile, cosmetics and personal care industries, where functional silicone fluids serve as important precursors. Investment in the expansion amounts to around €26 million.

The expansion is of particular importance for WACKER SILICONES. 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 expansion is increasing the plant’s total production capacity by around 70 percent. “The completion of our polysilicon production site in Tennessee has essentially concluded our investment in full-scale plants for the manufacture of precursors. We are now focusing on plants for intermediates, sales products and specialty products,” said WACKER President and CEO Dr. Rudolf Staudigl at the commissioning ceremony. According to Staudigl, the performance silicones plant is a good example of this. “Thanks to the expansion, we have sufficient production capacity in Burghausen to meet the rising global demand for versatile silicone fluids and emulsions.”

As part of the capacity expansion, production processes were optimized further. Silicone fluids can now be produced even more efficiently with even higher purity. “This plant is a key facility for us. The most important intermediates for our product portfolio are manufactured here,” said Dr. Christoph Kowitz, head of the Performance Silicones business unit. The majority of the plant’s products are processed into high-quality specialty fluids or emulsions in Burghausen or at other sites. “The added value that we can achieve here is tremendous,” emphasized Kowitz. “By expanding our production plant for functional high-performance fluids, we are laying another cornerstone for the sustainable growth of our business.”