WACKER expands its production of silicone emulsions in India

The plant will produce GMP-certified silicones for the cosmetics and personal care industries. This expansion significantly increases the company's silicone emulsion production capacity in India and will create 60 new jobs.

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The products manufactured in the 15,000 square meter production complex comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines of the European Federation of Cosmetic Raw Materials (EFfCI). 

“Our facilities in Panagarh are absolutely world-class. Here, top-quality products in terms of purity and quality will be produced in the future, which are in high demand, particularly in the cosmetics and personal care industries,” said WACKER board member Christian Kirsten at the official commissioning ceremony.

The personal care industry is one of the cornerstones of WACKER's silicone business in India. The fully consolidated joint venture Wacker Metroark Chemicals (WMC) is a supplier of silicone raw materials for cosmetics, shampoos, and personal care products. Its customer base includes both local manufacturers and internationally operating consumer goods companies. 

"Demand for our silicone products is growing steadily. We expect significant growth in India in the future as well," said Tom Koini, head of the Silicones Business Unit. "The expansion of our production in Panagarh puts us in an excellent position to meet this increasing demand and support the growth of our customers."

WACKER has been producing silicones in India since 1999. At the Amtala production site near Kolkata, the company primarily manufactures silicone oils, emulsions, and silicone rubber. In 2022, the chemical company opened another production site in Panagarh. Since then, silicone rubbers and ready-to-use silicone compounds for electromobility, medical technology, and electrical power supply have been produced on the 165,000-square-meter site.

With the commissioning of the second expansion phase, WACKER has established a second important base for the production of silicone emulsions in India at its Panagarh site. The site will be further expanded and will thus assume a role in the regional silicone supply in the future. Amtala, previously the center for the production of oils and emulsions in India, will increasingly focus on product and process development. 

"The successful completion of the expansion work in Panagarh is crucial for our future success in India," emphasized Sascha Büchel, head of Wacker Metroark, at the opening ceremony. "Our main plant in Amtala has served us exceptionally well. However, Amtala is increasingly reaching its limits. Panagarh offers us the space, the infrastructure, and the flexibility we need to continue our successful trajectory in India."

Image Credits: WACKER