WACKER Adds New European Pillar to Specialty Silicones Network
WACKER has opened a new specialty silicones production site in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, following two years of construction.
The first production line has begun operations, manufacturing customized silicone materials for automotive, household appliance, medical technology and energy applications. The site will focus on room-temperature-curing silicones and high-consistency rubber.
WACKER said the location will support demand tied to electromobility, renewable energy, power-grid expansion, digitalization and healthcare. Potential applications include electric-vehicle thermal management, wound care and power engineering.
“Karlovy Vary is an important pillar for our silicone activities in Europe and a central building block in our specialties strategy,” said Christian Kirsten, a member of WACKER’s executive board. “With the new site, we are expanding our position as a solution provider for customers in key industries.”
The opening is part of a reorganization of WACKER’s European silicone production network. Liquid silicone rubber will be manufactured in Burghausen, Germany, while the company’s Plzeň, Czech Republic, site will produce thermally conductive silicones, automotive potting compounds and silicone gels for wound care.
The Karlovy Vary facility is located in a 25,000-square-meter industrial park. WACKER designed the production and laboratory equipment, while the building is leased from investment group Accolade. The company expects to create up to 200 positions at the site by 2028.
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