MUNICH—Wacker A.G. has inaugurated an expanded technical center in Singapore for the developing and testing of silicone elastomers for growing industries such as health care and electronics.
A new laboratory for silicone elastomers has been established. And in a joint move, the firm said labs for silicones and polymeric binders dedicated to construction applications have been expanded and newly furnished.
Wacker said the lab space has more than doubled as part of the expansion. The center now spans more than 16,000 square feet under one roof that includes customer development, applications technology and a training facility for silicone and polymer applications.
“Our aim is to support local customers by realizing their individual requirements directly on the spot and to develop and test innovative applications together with them,” Patrick de Wolf, managing director of Wacker Southeast Asia, said in a statement. “With the new labs and our expanded portfolio, we are setting new standards in service, advice and transfer of expertise, offering our customers and business partners considerable added value.”
The regional competence center will provide technical support in the electronics, personal care, health care, textile, automotive, coatings and construction industries, Wacker said. The firm cited strong economic development in Southeast Asia as the reason for the investment, highlighting electronics and constructions as primary drivers.
Financial terms were not disclosed in the firm's March 24 news release.
“Southeast Asia is an important growth market for Wacker,” Executive Board Member Christian Hardel said during the open ceremony. “Our sales in the region have grown significantly over the recent years, and we see further potential for strong future growth in the region. The expanded facility will strengthen our position as one of the leading silicones and polymers manufacturers in Southeast Asia and provides a basis for future growth.”
Wacker said the Singapore center has been supporting customers in the development of new products and applications since 2007, taking local raw materials and environmental conditions into consideration.
The firm has been supplying chemical products to Southeast Asia for several years. Wacker Chemicals (South Asia) Pte. Ltd. was established in 1984 and coordinates regional sales.
Wacker also operates technical centers in Australia, China, India and South Korea with 22 technical centers worldwide.