Wacker, Dow Corning JV starts operation in China

Shanghai, November 25 (Gasgoo.com) Wacker Chemie AG and Dow Corning Corporation officially started production in the first stage of their joint venture pyrogenic silica and siloxane plants in Zhangjiagang (China), according to the companies' recent joint press release.

The new plants are key facilities of an integrated silicone manufacturing site developed by both companies to produce materials used extensively in automotive, construction and many other related industries. Total investment from both companies for the site is estimated at approximately $1.2 billion.

In the auto industry, silicone is applied in such key auto parts as airbags, engines, radiators and powertrains to help to improve the performance of these products.

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 Chemie and Dow Corning intend to serve growing customer demand for silicone materials in China and throughout the Asian region.