en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 26th, The new silicone emulsion production facility of the German chemical company WACKER at its Panagarh site in India has commenced operations, marking a significant step in its capacity expansion in the country. The facility focuses on producing silicone products compliant with the European EFfCI GMP guidelines, primarily for the cosmetics and personal care industries. It is expected to substantially enhance WACKER's silicone emulsion production capacity in India and create approximately 60 new jobs.
Christian Kirsten, a member of WACKER's Executive Board, stated at the commissioning ceremony: "The Panagarh facility will produce high-quality, high-purity silicone emulsions, which are in strong demand in the cosmetics and personal care sectors." The production complex, covering 15,000 square meters, is designed to support the development of WACKER's silicone business in India, with the personal care industry being one of its main pillars in the Indian market.
Tom Koini, Head of the WACKER Silicones business division, noted: "Demand for silicone products in the Indian market continues to grow, and we expect even more significant increases in the future. By expanding production in Panagarh, we can better meet this demand and support our customers' business expansion." WACKER's joint venture, Wacker Metroark Chemicals (WMC), is a key supplier of silicone raw materials, serving customers including local manufacturers and international consumer goods companies.
WACKER has been producing silicones in India since 1999, initially manufacturing silicone fluids, emulsions, and rubber compounds at its Amtala site. In 2022, the company began operations at the Panagarh site, producing silicones for industries such as e-mobility and medical technology. With the completion of the second expansion phase, Panagarh has become another key base for silicone emulsion production in India, while Amtala will increasingly shift its focus to product and process development.
Sascha Bischel, Managing Director of Wacker Metroark, emphasized at the opening ceremony: "The successful expansion in Panagarh is crucial for our future success in India. The Amtala site is nearing its limits, and Panagarh provides the necessary space and flexibility to continue our growth story in India." WACKER plans further expansions to enable Panagarh to play a more dominant role in the regional silicone supply chain.
