MUNICH/NANJING, China - Wacker Chemie AG officially ramped up its new production plant for vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions at its Nanjing site (Jiangsu province, China). With the additional 60,000 metric tons from the second reactor line, the local VAE dispersion capacity is doubling to a total of 120,000 metric tons per year, making the complex one of the largest of its kind in China. At the same time, the group is building a new plant in Nanjing to produce polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) solid resins. With an annual capacity of 20,000 metric tons, it is scheduled to come on-stream in late 2013. Capital expenditures for both projects will amount to some EUR 40 million.

WACKER’s Nanjing site manufactures VINNAPAS^® dispersions and dispersible polymer powders as binders for sectors such as construction, coatings and adhesives. The dispersion-plant expansion is WACKER’s response to the rising demand for high-quality VAE dispersions, especially in China and Southeast Asia’s emerging markets.

“The expansion is another important milestone in the continued growth of our polymer business in China,” explained Dr. Rudolf Staudigl, CEO of Wacker Chemie AG. “The market for high-quality VAE dispersions is continually growing – both globally and, in particular, in China. After all, our VAE technology is outstandingly suitable for formulating low-emission, eco-friendly products or substituting for other binders.” This is why WACKER ramped up a new VAE production plant – with an additional 40,000 metric tons annually – at its Ulsan site in South Korea back in February. "With the expansion in South Korea and China, we are doubling our VAE capacities in the region – thereby solidifying our global leading position in this segment,” said Staudigl.