MUNICH/SAO PAULO - Wacker Chemie AG has inaugurated its expanded technical center, including training center, near São Paulo, Brazil. The new regional competence center for South America combines research and development, applications technology, and a basic- and advanced-training facility for silicone and polymer applications under one roof. The expansion focuses on the labs for polymer binders, which are primarily used in construction chemical applications. The integrated WACKER ACADEMY training facility, which is also being expanded, is furnished with a new practice room, offering an ideal platform for industry-specific networking among customers, distribution partners, and WACKER specialists. With the expansion, the Brazil technical center is increasing its local expertise in applications technology, know-how transfer and service, serving the growing markets for high-quality silicone and polymer products in South America.

The expansion was necessitated by the region’s strong economic growth, particularly in the field of sophisticated construction, paint and coating applications.

The technical center in Jandira has been supporting customers in the development of new products and applications since 2003, taking local raw materials and environmental conditions into consideration. The expansion focuses mainly on the labs for dispersible polymer powders, which are used in dry-mix mortars for concrete applications, tile adhesives and sealing slurries, for example. As part of the expansion, the testing area available for polymer binders will be increased by a factor of more than three. Moreover, the new labs are equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation meeting international standards.

WACKER’s own education and training center, the WACKER ACADEMY, has also been expanded locally. Training participants now have access to a new larger training lab with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing them not only to learn the theory, but also to perform comprehensive practical exercises.