Dow Corning Corp. and WACKER Chemie AG officially started production in the first stage of their new pyrogenic silica and siloxane plants in Zhangjiagang, China.
The new plants are key facilities of an integrated silicone manufacturing site developed by both companies to produce materials used extensively in industries including construction, beauty and personal care, power and automotives. Total investment from both companies for the site is estimated to approximately US$1.2 billion.
The combined capacity for siloxane and pyrogenic silica is planned to be approximately 200,000 metric tons per year. It is expected that full operational capacity will be phased in by the end of 2010. Through their Zhangjiagang production complex, WACKER and Dow Corning intend to serve growing customer demand for silicone materials in China and throughout the Asian region.
Siloxane and pyrogenic silica are key intermediates for the manufacturing of finished silicone products. Key application industries include: construction, automotive, electronics, beauty & personal care, healthcare, power & utility, solar, textile, and paper. The new upstream production facilities are jointly operated by WACKER and Dow Corning. At the site, both companies are also manufacturing finished silicone products. These production plants are owned and operated separately with independent marketing and sales by Dow Corning and WACKER.
For more information, visit: www.dowcorning.com.