Wacker and Dow Corning Begin Second Phase of Pyrogenic Silica Plant in Zhangjiagang, China

Dow Corning Corporation and Wacker Chemie AG have started construction of the second phase of their pyrogenic silica plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, China.

The pyrogenic silica plant, together with a siloxane plant, is a key facility of an integrated silicone manufacturing site developed by both companies at Jiangsu Yangtze River Chemical Industrial Park in Zhangjiagang to produce materials used extensively in a number of industries, including construction. The site covers 1 million square meters and is among the world's largest and most advanced integrated production complexes for silicones, according to the company announcement.

The overall nameplate capacity for both siloxane and pyrogenic silica, including the second phase silica plant, is expected to be approximately 210,000 metric tons per year. Investments from both partners for the new pyrogenic silica production plant will amount to a mid double-digit million euro sum.

During a groundbreaking ceremony held in Zhangjiagang today, Dr. Udo Horns, the project's director for Wacker Chemie AG, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment.

"As with siloxane, pyrogenic silica is a key intermediate for manufacturing finished silicone products. The new investment will allow us to better serve our customers' needs, and to drive the development of the silicone industry in China," Horns said.

Brian Austin, Dow Corning Zhangjiagang site director, added, "Key application industries of siloxane and pyrogenic silica include: construction, automotive, electronics, beauty and personal care, healthcare, power and utility, solar, textile and paper. Our investment in this site significantly enhances our ability to meet our customers' needs of using silicone to enhance the performance of their own products and also to help spur the growth of many key industries in this region. It demonstrates our commitment as a company to sustainable development, using our long history of expertise and technology know-how to create environmental, economic and social benefits wherever we operate."

Both companies also own manufacturing plants for finished silicone products at the Zhangjiagang site. Marketing and sales are undertaken independently by each company.