Metallurgy / Chemicals / Rubber & Plastics

WACKER is preparing to build a new silicone production site at its facility in Charleston, Tennessee, USA. The Munich-based chemical group has already started a feasibility study. As a first step, it is planned to build a production plant for high-consistency silicone rubber and silicone sealants, such as for construction applications. In addition, factories for the manufacture of intermediates will be built. In a further stage, production equipment from other product groups can be added, such as silane-terminated polymers for formulating high-quality adhesives and sealants, liquid waterproofing systems and environmentally friendly wood floor adhesives. The entire expansion project is expected to take several years and is expected to cost more than $200 million, creating more than 200 new jobs at the Charleston facility. WACKER has been producing high-purity polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries in Charleston since 2015. Since 2019, the plant has also started producing fumed silica under the HDK® brand.

“The planned expansion in Charleston is another step towards making Charleston a fully integrated factory with a closed production cycle and an important prerequisite for accelerating our growth as planned,” WACKER CEO Christian Hartel explained the investment measures strategic background. WACKER is targeting sales of more than 10 billion euros by 2030 and an EBITDA margin of more than 20 percent.

“WACKER is the world’s second largest producer of silicones, and this business is of strategic interest to us. Demand for high-performance specialty silicones is growing particularly strongly. These specialty products can serve key industries such as automotive, construction, electronics and medical technology. Providing innovative, tailor-made solutions. By expanding our production capacity, we aim to support our customers as best we can," emphasises Hartel.

"In recent years, demand for silicones in the United States has grown above average," said David Wilhoit, President and CEO of WACKER's U.S. subsidiary. "With this comprehensive investment offensive, we are further expanding our position in the world's second largest chemical market."