Wacker Chemie expands Asia specialty silicones output with new Japan, South Korea plants

LONDON (ICIS)–Wacker Chemie has started up two new specialty silicones plants in Japan and South Korea to meet growing demand in Asia, it said on Thursday.

The facilities in Tsukuba, Japan and Jincheon, South Korea, will meet rising demand from the automotive and construction industries.

The Germany-based chemicals producer said it invested an amount in the “double-digit million euro range” in the expansion. It did not disclose specific capacity figures.

Wacker said its’ Tsukuba site in Japan would focus on the automotive sector, particularly electric vehicles.

At Jincheon in South Korea, it aims to increase the output of silicone sealants for the construction industry.

As well as automotive and construction, specialty silicones are used in the chemicals, cosmetics, medical technology, energy, electronics, paper and textiles sectors.