(Yicai) Sept. 27 -- German chemical giant Wacker Chemie plans to invest EUR150 million (USD158.4 million) to expand its specialty silicone manufacturing capacity in China.

Wacker will hike the capacity of its production base in Zhangjiagang, a county-level city under the administration of Suzhou in eastern Jiangsu province, to meet Chinese clients’ constantly growing demand for specialty silicone products, the Munich-based company announced yesterday.

Wacker’s production base in Zhangjiagang is one of the firm’s biggest comprehensive facilities. It provides the fast-growing Asian market with a series of finished organic silicone products, such as fluids, elastomer gels, and emulsions. The new capacity will be put into operation by the second half of 2025, Wacker noted.

“This project is our largest single investment in Zhangjiagang since the site was officially commissioned in 2010,” said Alvin Hu, president of Wacker China. “The new production facilities and our expanded research and development activities on site will do more than just strengthen our presence in China, they also underscore our determination to offer even better service to our customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region going forward,” Hu added.

Wacker’s organic silicone products are mainly used in textile, construction, paints, cosmetic, and personal care applications, the firm said, noting that they also play a key role in innovative industries, such as electromobility, renewable power generation, and medical technology.

Editor: Futura Costaglione