WACKER Expands Production Capacity in Nanjing to Meet Growing Demand for High-Quality Binders

WACKER has completed the capacity expansion measures for the produc-tion of vinyl-acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders at WACKER’s Nanjing site in China. The new production lines were officially inaugurated today. (Foto: WACKER)

(IN BRIEF) WACKER has completed a capacity expansion project at its Nanjing site in China, which doubles its production capacity for vinyl-acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders. The expansion, involving a new reactor and spray dryer, enables WACKER to meet the increasing demand for its high-quality binders in China’s construction industry. The investment of over US$100 million demonstrates WACKER’s commitment to the Chinese market. The completion of the project was celebrated with an inauguration ceremony attended by government representatives, customers, and distributors.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH/ NANJING, 24-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — WACKER Group (ETR: WCH), a German multinational chemical company, celebrated the completion of its capacity expansion project for vinyl-acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders at its Nanjing site with an inauguration ceremony today. The expansion, which involved the installation of a new reactor for dispersions and a new spray dryer for dispersible polymer powders, more than doubles WACKER’s production capacity in Nanjing, enabling the company to meet the increasing demand for its high-quality binders, particularly from China’s thriving construction industry. WACKER invested over US$100 million in this integrated production site to carry out the expansion.

“China is the world’s largest construction market, covering about 20 percent of global construction expenditure. Our VAE dispersions and dispersible powders enable us to supply the growing construction market in China with binders for various applications such as ceramic tile adhesives, waterproofing membranes or carpets. This capacity expansion in Nanjing strengthens our position as the global leader for vinyl-acetate-ethylene dispersions and polymer powders“, noted Christian Hartel, CEO of Wacker Chemie AG. What is more, China is already one of the world’s most important adhesive markets. “Our new plant is close to our customers, thereby supporting their growth even more effectively”, added Peter Summo, who heads the WACKER POLYMERS business division.

During the inauguration ceremony, Alvin Hu, President of WACKER China, stated that the expansion demonstrated WACKER’s strong focus on the market in China. “The capacity expansion project at the Nanjing site is a milestone for WACKER China. With the expansion, we have at the same time reserved sufficient space for subsequent production lines, allowing for the rapid construction of future expansion projects. It will not only meet increasing customer demand in China, but also provide WACKER with sufficient capacity for its long-term development in the region.”

The Nanjing expansion project represents a total investment of more than US$100 million and significantly boosts the annual capacity of VAE dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders at the site. The VAE dispersions facility incorporates an advanced dispersion-polymerization process and a state-of-the-art safety control system, making it a cutting-edge operation in the field. The new production line for VAE dispersible polymer powders utilizes advanced spray-drying technology and features an advanced process control system (APC). These two new plants represent the largest of their kind globally. The Nanjing site is one of WACKER POLYMERS’ four production sites worldwide.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during construction, WACKER’s Nanjing expansion project, which commenced at the end of 2020, was successfully completed. The inauguration event was attended by nearly two hundred guests, including government representatives, customers, and distributors.

The expanded capacity in Nanjing positions WACKER to better serve its customers in the rapidly growing Chinese market and underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the construction industry with its cutting-edge binders and polymer powders.

About WACKER POLYMERS

WACKER POLYMERS is a leading producer of state-of-the-art binders and polymeric additives based on polyvinyl acetate and vinyl acetate copolymers. These take the form of dispersible polymer powders, dispersions, solid resins, and solutions. They are used in construction chemicals, paints, surface coatings, adhesives and nonwovens, as well as in fiber composites and polymeric materials based on renewable resources. WACKER POLYMERS has production sites in Germany, China, South Korea and the USA, as well as a global sales network and technical centers in all major regions.

Media Contact

Wacker Chemie AG
Media Relations & Information
Florian Degenhart

Tel. +49 89 6279-1601
Email florian.degenhart@wacker.com

SOURCE: Wacker Chemie AG