At the official opening ceremony in Zhangjiagang, Dr. Christoph von Plotho, President of WACKER SILICONES, emphasized the significance of the investment: “The opening of the new emulsion plant is an important milestone for the joint venture. The new facility here in Zhangjiagang will allow us to even better serve the local markets with customized solutions. It will also strengthen our position as a leading supplier of silicone emulsions in the regional market.”

WACKER DYMATIC is also investing in a new emulsion plant in Shunde (Guangdong province). “The two new facilities will help us to response quickly to local market needs, to improve customer services and to provide silicone products that meet international quality standards”, said Tony Huang, Chairman of the Board of Dymatic Chemicals Inc.

Silicones are often essential both for conferring certain properties in the production of textiles, leather and fibers, and for ensuring that the production processes themselves run smoothly. In textiles, for instance, they impart special properties such as smoothness, luster, soft hand, fullness and elasticity on the fabric while offering high functionality like water repellency, easy-care behavior, and long-lasting freshness. Processing benefits include easy sewability, faster process flow for greater efficiency and stability and effective foam control for smooth processes and enhanced cost-effectiveness, without sacrificing high product quality.

WACKER SILICONES, one of WACKER’s five business divisions, is a world-leading silicones manufacturer with over 3,000 highly specialized and innovative products. The division’s portfolio ranges from silicone fluids, emulsions, resins, elastomers and sealants to silanes and pyrogenic silicas. These products stand out via their significant value-adding potential – enhancing both the benefits and performance of customers’ end products. Products from WACKER SILICONES find application in such sectors as construction, chemicals, cosmetics, textiles, automotive, paper and electronics.

DYMATIC Chemicals Inc. is a leading company dedicated to producing textile auxiliaries and other fine chemicals in China. Founded in 1989, the company operates more than 10 locations across China. The company has full capacities of product develop¬ment, manufacturing, marketing, sales and technical support. With more than 200 technical people including 50 senior technical experts, DYMATIC has a total of 600 employees. The company is certified as “State High Technology Enterprise” by the Chinese government and acquired ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications through the British Standards Institution (BSI). The company established an industrial postdoctoral workstation to enhance fundamental research in textile chemicals. DYMATIC Chemicals’ stock became publicly listed in July 2006 (stock code: 002054).

Wacker Dymatic Silicones Shunde Co., Ltd., was established in 2005 as a 50/50 joint venture between Wacker Chemie AG and DYMATIC Chemicals Inc.. Thanks to the technological expertise and extensive marketing network provided by both companies, WACKER DYMATIC has successfully established itself as the technology leader in silicone softeners and as a solution provider for the textiles, leathers and fiber industries in China. With its new facilities at Zhangjiagang and Shunde, WACKER DYMATIC will further enhance its ability to serve its customers in China’s eastern and southern regions. The joint venture will have a workforce of about 100 by the end of 2008.