Wacker Chemie AG has commenced construction on a new production facility in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, further strengthening its focus on silicone specialties in Europe. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by project partners and local officials, marks the beginning of this significant investment.

Scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025, the new facility will produce room-temperature curing high-performance silicones. By 2028, it will expand to manufacture high-consistency silicone rubber. These advanced silicones are vital for key technologies such as electromobility, healthcare, medical care, and grid expansion. The total investment for this project is in the low triple-digit million-euro range and will create approximately 200 new jobs in its initial phase.

Christian Kirsten, Executive Board member of Wacker Chemie AG, emphasized the importance of the new site, stating, "Karlovy Vary will be a new and important pillar for our silicone activities in Europe, strengthening our position as a leading manufacturer of silicone specialties. Our silicone rubber grades are in demand across all key growth markets. As experts in silicones, we offer precisely the solutions needed for developing innovative products and technologies."

Customized silicone elastomers are increasingly required where conventional materials fail to meet high and rising standards. Major trends driving this demand include electromobility, renewable energy, and electricity grid expansion. Kirsten noted, "To meet the growing demand for these solutions in the long term, we must lay the necessary groundwork now. Karlovy Vary begins a new chapter in our silicones’ success story."

The Karlovy Vary facility will complement Wacker’s existing production sites in Burghausen and Nünchritz, Germany, enhancing the flexibility and optimization of production processes. Kirsten added, "Our integrated production setup in Europe will be even more flexible with Karlovy Vary, enabling us to better serve our customers in Europe and beyond."

When fully operational, the Karlovy Vary site will produce over 20,000 metric tons of custom-made silicones annually. The selection of Karlovy Vary was influenced by its proximity to Burghausen and Pilsen, low regional energy costs, and the availability of qualified staff.

The construction, managed by U.S. real estate developer Panattoni and Czech real estate group Accolade, will span 23,000 square meters, including essential infrastructure. This strategic location and collaboration ensure the facility's readiness to meet future industry demands efficiently.