Wacker Silicones teams up with Russian firm

MUNICH, Germany (May 28)—Wacker Silicones has entered a long-term cooperation agreement with Penta-91, a Russian silicone compounding and distribution company, for distribution of Wacker's heat-curing silicone elastomers in the Confederation of Independent States. Moscow-based Penta-91 also will make silicone rubber grades tailor-made for the domestic market. With more than 200 employees, Penta-91 operates plants in Moscow, Balashikha and Scheikovo. The Russian firm already supplies Wacker's silicone fluid products under an arrangement started last year. According to Wacker, the latest deal will improve its access to the fast-growing markets in the CIS region, particularly for redispersible powders, elastomers and silicone sealants. Wacker also is building a technical center in Moscow, scheduled to open in September. The facility will offer consulting and training services and develop and certify construction products for Russian markets. Last October, Wacker established a Russian subsidiary, to bolster its Moscow-based sales operation for the CIS region.