Wacker celebrates 40th anniversary of its South American headquarters
Wacker Chemie AG has celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Brazil-based South American headquarters in São Paulo. In the years ahead, the company expects demand in South America to grow for its high-quality specialty chemicals.
Wacker Química do Brasil Ltda. was established in São Paulo, in 1977 – marking an important milestone in the Group’s South American expansion.
New facility under construction
In Jandira near São Paulo, Wacker now manufactures silicone products. The company is currently building a new multifunctional facility at the site for manufacturing antifoam agents and functional silicone fluids. Investments for the expansion will total around EUR7 million. Wacker’s Jandira technical center further offers customers special support with the development of new products and applications for the South American market. With over 100 employees, Wacker Brazil generated sales of around EUR90 million in 2016.
Sales growth of more than 9%
In his address, Wacker Executive Board member Tobias Ohler said: “Our sales in this region have grown at an average rate of more than nine percent annually over the past ten years. At the same time, local production volumes have increased five-fold.” Wacker Brazil is ideally positioned, he continued, thanks to high product quality, excellent service and a committed team of experts. “In the years ahead, we expect demand in South America to grow for our high-quality specialty chemicals – and see huge potential for our Jandira site.”
Market leader for polymer powders
Wacker already ranks among the top silicone suppliers in South America and is the market leader for dispersible polymer powders for the construction industry. The region’s main markets for products range from construction, paints and coatings, paper, electrical/electronics and textiles, through to the cosmetics, agrochemical, household and personal-care sectors. Executive Board member Auguste Willems underscored the future opportunities: “Our polymer binders enable cutting-edge construction solutions, such as fire-protection coatings and water-saving sealing systems.With our ongoing expansion of silicone production in Jandira, we are well positioned to meet the growing needs of the South American market.”
