Wacker Chemie AG has marked a new milestone in its India growth strategy with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art silicone emulsions production facility at its Panagarh site.
The newly operational complex will manufacture GMP-certified silicone emulsions primarily for the cosmetics and personal care industries. Spanning 15,000 square meters, the facility significantly boosts WACKER’s silicone emulsion production capacity in India while creating around 60 new jobs.
The products manufactured at the site comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards set by the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI), ensuring high purity and quality. Speaking at the inauguration, Executive Board member Christian Kirsten highlighted that the Panagarh facilities are designed to deliver world-class, high-quality silicone products to meet growing demand, particularly in the personal care segment.
The personal care industry continues to be a key driver for WACKER’s silicone business in India. Its fully consolidated joint venture, Wacker Metroark Chemicals, is a leading supplier of silicone raw materials used in cosmetics, shampoos, and other personal care products, serving both domestic manufacturers and global consumer goods companies.
According to Tom Koini, demand for silicone products in India remains strong, and the Panagarh expansion positions the company to better support customer growth and future market needs.
WACKER has been active in India since 1999, initially producing silicone fluids, emulsions, and rubber compounds at its Amtala site near Kolkata. In 2022, the company launched operations at its larger Panagarh facility, which manufactures silicone rubber and ready-to-use compounds for sectors such as electromobility, medical technology, and power supply.
With this second phase of expansion, Panagarh is set to become a key hub for silicone emulsion production in India, complementing Amtala, which will increasingly focus on research, product development, and process innovation. Managing Director Sascha Büchel noted that the expansion is critical to the company’s long-term growth, providing the scale and flexibility needed to meet rising demand and strengthen its position in the regional silicones market.