Wacker Begins Construction on New Czech Facility for Silicone Specialties Production

Wacker Chemie AG is reinforcing its dedication to silicone specialties in Europe with the establishment of a new production facility. In a symbolic ceremony held on 20 June 2024 in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, the chemical company, along with project partners and regional officials, marked the commencement of construction. Starting in late 2025, WACKER will begin producing room-temperature curing high-performance silicones, followed by high consistency silicone rubber in 2028. These products are essential for advancements in electromobility, healthcare, medical applications, and grid expansion. The project represents an investment in the low hundreds of millions of euros and will generate 200 new jobs in its initial phase. This new site further cements WACKER Group's role as a key solution provider for critical industries.

“Karlovy Vary is set to become a vital center for our silicone operations in Europe, strengthening our position as a leading producer of silicone specialties. Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks the achievement of our first milestone,” said Christian Kirsten, Executive Board member, addressing political and business leaders in attendance. “Our silicone rubber grades are highly sought after in all major growth markets. As silicone experts, we provide the exact solutions our customers require to develop innovative products and technologies,” Kirsten added.

Customized silicone elastomers are essential in applications where traditional materials fail to meet the escalating demands. Megatrends such as electromobility, renewable energy, and electricity grid expansion are the primary drivers. “To sustainably address the increasing demand for these solutions, it is crucial to establish the necessary infrastructure now,” emphasized Kirsten. “The establishment of the Karlovy Vary facility signals the start of a new era in the success story of our silicone products.”

The new site will enhance WACKER’s existing integrated production facilities in Burghausen and Nünchritz, Germany, establishing critical foundations for further production process optimization. “The inclusion of Karlovy Vary will enhance the flexibility of our integrated production network in Europe. This will allow us to better serve our customers both in Europe and globally,” said Kirsten.

The new facility in Karlovy Vary will primarily produce room-temperature-curing specialty silicones, with high-temperature-curing silicone compounds to follow. WACKER plans to invest a low triple-digit million-euro sum into this site, creating approximately 200 jobs by 2028, with additional personnel needs anticipated in subsequent years. Upon reaching full operational capacity, the site is projected to produce more than 20,000 metric tons of tailor-made silicones annually, with initial production anticipated by the end of 2025. Among the numerous potential locations, Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic was selected. In the coming weeks and months, a 23,000 square-meter facility, complete with infrastructure, will be constructed. WACKER is partnering with the U.S. real estate developer Panattoni to manage the construction, and the Czech real estate group Accolade, which owns both the property and the building.

Karlovy Vary provides optimal conditions for WACKER’s silicone production. “Its closeness to Burghausen and Pilsen, the region’s comparatively low energy costs, and the availability of qualified personnel ultimately made the decision straightforward for us,” stated Kirsten.