Wacker expanding silicone sealants production in Germany

Munich, Germany – Wacker Chemie AG is expanding the production and cartridge filling capacities for alkoxy silicone sealants at its manufacturing plant in Nünchritz in southeastern Germany.

The €20 million project will add capacity for ready-to-use room-temperature-curing silicone sealants, said Wacker in a 22 March statement.

With construction work set to start before the end of the year, the investment will see the addition of new manufacturing lines next to the existing plants.

The project plan envisages the construction of a fully continuous compounding plant for silicone sealing products including expansion of the cartridge filling facility.

“We will integrate the plants into our production process fully utilising existing on-site filling capacities and logistics”, said Nünchritz site manager Jutta Matreux.

According to Wacker, the project will “significantly increase” capacity for silicone sealing compounds and cartridges in Nünchritz.

Depending on the grade, the new filling line will be capable of filling up to an additional 30 million cartridges each year, it added.

Start-up for the new plants is planned for the autumn of next year, pending timely approval from regulatory authorities.

The sealant products are used in a variety of water-proofing as well as bonding and coating applications within the construction industry.

According to Wacker, construction silicones are currently in “high demand”, as they offer a range of benefits, including minimising heat loss at a time of rising energy costs.

Wacker went on to say that development has been particularly dynamic for alkoxy silicones in recent years.

The one-component neutral-cure silicone sealing compounds release alcohol upon crosslinking which renders them safe to use.

They can also be applied on sensitive construction materials such as natural stone or metal.

“Alkoxy silicones are therefore versatile sealants for interior and exterior applications,” said Wacker, predicting “significant growth rates” in the coming years.

“Expanding production in Nünchritz will allow us to tap into new markets and strengthen our position as a key sealants manufacturer in Europe”, said Wacker executive board member Auguste Willems.