The new production site at Karlovy Vary complements Wacker's German Verbund sites in Burghausen and Nünchritz and the site in Pilsen. The main drivers for the expansion are trends such as electromobility and renewable energies, which require silicones from manufacturers such as Wacker. As a first step, the Group will create up to 200 jobs. The investment volume is in the low three-digit million euro range.
Customized silicone compounds
"Karlsbad will be an important pillar for our silicone activities in Europe, especially with regard to the production of customized silicone compounds," says Wacker Executive Board member Christian Kirsten. According to Kirsten, tailor-made silicone elastomers are particularly needed where conventional materials cannot or can no longer meet the high and constantly increasing requirements.
Room-temperature curing specialty silicones
The focus of the new site in Karlsbad will be on the production of room-temperature-curing specialty silicones.