WACKER expands Panagarh facility, boosting silicone emulsion production, creating jobs, and strengthening India presence to meet rising personal care demand.
WACKER has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its manufacturing presence in India by expanding its silicone emulsion production capabilities. The company recently commissioned a new production complex at its Panagarh facility, marking another milestone in its long-term growth strategy in the country. This advanced facility is dedicated to producing high-quality silicone emulsions that cater primarily to the cosmetics and personal care sectors, which are experiencing steady demand growth both domestically and globally.
Spread across an area of approximately 15,000 square meters, the newly operational plant has been designed to meet stringent international quality standards. The products manufactured here comply fully with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines established by the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients, ensuring safety, purity, and consistency. This certification is particularly important for companies operating in the personal care and cosmetics industries, where product quality and regulatory compliance are critical.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Christian Kirsten emphasized that the Panagarh facilities represent world-class infrastructure capable of delivering premium-grade silicone products. These high-purity materials are in strong demand, especially among manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products. The new plant not only enhances production capacity but also reinforces the company’s commitment to supplying reliable and innovative solutions to its growing customer base.
The expansion is also expected to generate approximately 60 new jobs, contributing to local economic development. WACKER’s Indian operations are further strengthened through its fully consolidated joint venture, Wacker Metroark Chemicals, which plays a vital role in supplying silicone raw materials used in shampoos, skincare products, and other personal care applications. The company serves a diverse customer base, including both domestic manufacturers and leading global consumer goods companies.
According to Tom Koini, demand for silicone-based products in India continues to remain strong, with expectations of further growth in the coming years. The expansion at Panagarh positions the company strategically to meet this rising demand while supporting the evolving needs of its customers across industries.
WACKER’s journey in India dates back to 1999, when it began silicone production at its Amtala facility near Kolkata. Over the years, Amtala has served as a key manufacturing hub for silicone fluids, emulsions, and rubber compounds. In 2022, the company expanded its footprint by launching operations at the much larger Panagarh site, which spans 165,000 square meters. This site has since been producing silicone rubber and ready-to-use compounds for high-growth sectors such as electromobility, medical technology, and power infrastructure.
With the completion of this latest expansion phase, Panagarh is now emerging as a second major center for silicone emulsion production in India. The company plans to further develop this site into a leading hub within the regional silicones supply chain. Meanwhile, the Amtala facility will gradually shift its focus toward research, innovation, and process optimization.
During the opening ceremony, Sascha Büchel highlighted the strategic importance of the Panagarh expansion. He noted that while Amtala has played a crucial role in the company’s success, it is nearing capacity limits. In contrast, Panagarh offers the space, infrastructure, and flexibility required for future growth, ensuring that WACKER continues to strengthen its position in the Indian market.
