- Business
- Wacker Chemie AG manufactures specialty silicones, polymers, biosolutions, and polysilicon for applications in construction, automotive, electronics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and photovoltaics; its core offerings include silicone elastomers, fluids, resins, and sealants; polymer binders such as vinyl acetate-ethylene dispersions and redispersible polymer powders; biopharmaceutical services encompassing mRNA therapeutics, lipid nanoparticles, and plasmid DNA production; and hyperpure polysilicon alongside chlorosilanes and fumed silica for semiconductor and solar wafers. The company, founded in 1914 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, operates 27 production sites and 47 sales offices worldwide, supplying over 3,000 products to more than 100 countries with approximately 16,400 employees. Wacker Chemie maintains a subsidiary, Siltronic AG, focused on semiconductor wafers, and derives roughly 65% of sales from silicon-based products and 35% from ethylene- and acetic acid-based items, targeting industries including chemical processing, medical technology, and renewable energy. Recent developments include the 2024 acquisition of manufacturing assets and expertise from U.S.-based Bio Med Sciences Inc. to enhance silicone-coated healthcare products like wearable devices and scar care; completion of capacity expansions for specialty silicones at its Zhangjiagang, China site; opening of a new mRNA Competence Center in Halle, Germany; and ongoing investments to boost semiconductor-grade polysilicon production at Burghausen, Germany, with a new facility slated for 2025 that will increase capacity by over 50% and create more than 100 jobs. Capital expenditures reached €666 million in 2024, prioritizing growth across all divisions amid market challenges, as evidenced by Q3 2025 sales of €1.34 billion.