WACKER has completed construction of new production facilities at its Zhangjiagang site to meet the growing demand for high-quality specialty silicones in China. The company held a ceremony to mark the mechanical completion of the project, which will support WACKER’s broader strategy to localize operations and better serve the Chinese market. Production is expected to ramp up over the coming months.

The new production complex will manufacture silicone fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels. These materials are widely used across a range of industries, including consumer goods, textiles, personal care, cosmetics and construction. According to WACKER, some of the production lines will adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, enabling the manufacture of materials suitable for the cosmetics industry.

WACKER has invested a low triple-digit million-euro amount in the project, making it the largest single investment at the Zhangjiagang site in its 15-year history. The expansion aligns with the company’s long-standing "in China for China" approach, which emphasizes producing goods locally to meet the needs of the Chinese market.

“This investment underlines our commitment to China and demonstrates our confidence in the long-term growth of this market, even during economically challenging times,” said Christian Kirsten, a member of WACKER’s executive board, at the completion ceremony. “By expanding our silicone production capabilities in Zhangjiagang, we are strengthening our specialties business and solidifying our position as a leading silicone manufacturer in China.”

WACKER has operated in China for more than three decades and currently generates 37% of its global sales in Asia. Roughly half of that figure comes from China, reflecting the country’s critical role in the company’s global operations.

The new facilities will also begin producing silicone elastomer gels—a product previously only manufactured at WACKER’s sites in Germany and India. These gels are especially in demand among Chinese cosmetics and personal care manufacturers due to their performance and versatility in products such as skin creams and serums.

“The expansion proves we are committed to staying ahead of industry trends and responding to our customers’ evolving needs,” said Alvin Hu, president of WACKER Greater China. “With enhanced production capacity, we are better positioned to support innovation and offer faster, more tailored solutions.”

Silicone fluids produced at the site are used in various applications, including release coatings, construction additives, impregnating agents, and paints and coatings. Emulsions and elastomer gels, on the other hand, are widely applied in makeup, shampoo, and fabric softeners.

Zhangjiagang remains one of WACKER’s largest fully integrated silicone production facilities. It supplies a wide range of downstream products such as sealants, elastomers and fluids to customers throughout the rapidly growing Asian markets. WACKER silicones are found in traditional sectors like textiles, leather, and coatings, as well as in high-tech industries including electromobility, renewable energy and medical technology.