News WACKER Greater China
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Dr. Peter von Zumbusch
Dr. Peter von Zumbusch - New Managing Director of Wacker Chemicals Greater China
Shanghai, October 6, 2008 – On October 1, Jean-Lionel Gros stepped down as managing director of WACKER Chemicals Greater China to assume a new role as the WACKER Group’s senior vice president of Sales and Distribution. Dr. Peter von Zumbusch, former vice president of Operations in Greater China, was appointed his successor as managing director of WACKER Chemicals Greater China.
For more than 5 years now, Jean-Lionel Gros has been active in Shanghai as president of WACKER Greater China. Under his leadership, WACKER has built a strong presence in Greater China with its procurement, production, sales and technical support activities. In the past few years, both employee numbers and sales revenue achieved high two-digit growth rates in the region.
So far, in Greater China, WACKER has two technical centers (in Shanghai and Beijing), three production sites (in Wuxi, Zhangjiagang and Nanjing) and seven sales offices (in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shunde, Hong Kong, Taipei and Hsinchu). In 2007, WACKER Greater China generated sales of over €600 million with around 500 employees. WACKER was also named one of China’s “Top Employ-ers 2008™ Shanghai Region” by the Corporate Research Foundation (CRF).
WACKER’s achievements in China have earned Mr. Gros great respect not only in the WACKER Group, but also in China, especially in Shanghai where WACKER’s Greater China headquarters are located. As recently as September 2008, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Shanghai’s economic performance and community development, Mr. Gros received the “Magnolia Award”, the highest honor given to non-Chinese by Shanghai’s Municipal Government.
Dr. Peter von Zumbusch joined WACKER in 1996 after obtaining a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and biotechnology at the Technical University of Hamburg. After several years’ successful involvement in investment projects and strategic procurement, he was appointed head of Procurement Equipment and Services at the WACKER Group in 2003. In this position, he played an important role in early negotiations in connection with WACKER’s Zhangjiagang project.
To better oversee the project during its initial planning and strategy formulation stages, Dr. Peter von Zumbusch relocated to China at the end of 2005 and became Zhangjiagang site manager. In 2007, he took on responsibility for all WACKER’s Chinese production sites and became vice president of Operations at WACKER Chemicals Greater China.
With his skill at generating good returns on investment, strategic planning and implementation, and a clear vision of WACKER’s mission in China, Dr. von Zumbusch is expected to continue the course mapped out by his predecessor, guiding his Greater China team in their tasks of completing infrastructure and building local competency ─ essential for WACKER’s long term development in the region.
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WACKER Presents High-Performance Products at CHINA COMPOSITES
Shanghai, August 29, 2008 – Under the motto “No limits with composites expertise”, WACKER is presenting high-performance products at the 14th China International Composites Industrial Technical Expo (CHINA COMPOSITES) in Shanghai from September 17 to19. The products on display are ranging from pyrogenic silica for rheology controlling to solid resins for coatings and adhesives applications and innovative silicone rubber compounds that simplify the production of vacuum bags for large molded parts.
At this year’s tradeshow, WACKER will highlight a range of high-tech silicone and polymer products: Pyrogenic silicas, marketed under the trademark HDK®, are ideal for thickening, controlling powder flow and reinforcing composites or adhesives. As a rheological additive with a thixotropic effect, HDK® pyrogenic silicas precisely adjust the flow behavior of resin formulations, particularly for hand lay up and spray techniques. They prevent the resin from seeping out of the fiber material. At the same time, good fiber wetting and impregnation are retained. HDK® also prevents sedimentation of pigments and fillers.
WACKER is one of the top three pyrogenic silica manufacturers in the world with over 15 years successful development in the Chinese market. Currently, WACKER is investing in a world-class production facility for pyrogenic silica in Zhangjiagang, China, which is scheduled to start operations in late 2008 .
VINNAPASP® olid resins
VINNAPAS® (polyvinyl acetate) resins are used as low profile additives in fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) composites. The great versatility of VINNAPAS® low profile additive resins has led to many FRP applications, successfully combining zero shrink, Class A surface quality, full viscosity control and design flexibility.
VINNAPAS® is a most effective thermoplastic anti-shrink (low profile) additive in UP resin composites processed at high molding temperatures. In addition to the zero shrink effect, certain high-temperature unsaturated polyester applications, such as sheet molding compound (SMC) and bulk molding compound (BMC), require effective thickening for easy handling of the composite and for good glass-fiber distribution during mold flow.
With over 50 years experience, WACKER is the leading manufacturer of vinyl-acetate-based polymers worldwide.
ELASTOSIL® C 1200
At CHINA COMPOSITES, WACKER will also present ELASTOSIL® C 1200, an innovative silicone rubber compound for manufacturing large molded parts.. This two-part platinum-curing silicone rubber features low viscosity and cures at room temperature without shrinking, thus opening up numerous new possibilities for composite manufacturing. Molded parts of almost any conceivable dimensions can be conveniently produced in series using the new ELASTOSIL® C 1200. This is made possible by the greatly extended pot life of around 20 minutes and a special shear-thinning silicone elastomer formulation. This property causes the normally stiff composition to liquefy under the shearing effect of brushing or spraying. As a result, ELASTOSIL® C 1200 can be applied to vertical surfaces without dripping.
ELASTOSIL® C 1200 now makes possible the production of custom-made vacuum bags, usable, for example, in boat building, racing cars and wind power generators. The efficiency of this process allows significant costs savings to be made.
With the newly expanded Technical Center in Shanghai, WACKER is able to provide premium technical support to the composite industry.
Visit WACKER at CHINA COMPOSITES at booth A4338/4340, 4437/4439.
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WACKER SIGNED RESPONSIBLE CARE® BEIJING MANIFESTO
May 30, 2008 – Yesterday, together with over 20 AICM member companies, WACKER Chemicals Greater China signed Responsible Care Beijing Manifesto on a media roundtable initiated by AICM (Association of International Chemical Manufacturers). Through the signing of Beijing Manifesto, all these AICM member companies demonstrated a public commitment to the implementation of Responsible Care® in China.
“We believe that a responsible chemical industry makes a vital, long-term contribution to global progress and sustainable development,” Said Jean-Lionel Gros, President of WACKER Chemicals Greater China, “And from top management to every employee, we are committed to Responsible Care® effective implementation in China.”
In this Manifesto, WACKER is not only committed to continuous improvement of our EHS performance and an open dialogue with our stakeholders, but also sharing best practices with Chinese chemical industry and to be a source of industrial solutions to some of the society’s most important challenges.
Dr. Peter von Zumbusch, Vice President Operations, presented on the event yesterday and signed the Manifesto on behalf of WACKER Chemicals Greater China.
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WACKER DONATES TO RED CROSS FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN SICHUAN PROVINCE
Shanghai, May 19, 2008 – Today, Wacker Greater China donated approximately RMB 220,000 as emergency aid to the Red Cross Shanghai Branch for the victims of the catastrophic earthquake occured on May 12 in Sichuan Province. Furthermore, the WACKER Group donated RMB 500,000 as long-term support for relief projects to be identified by WACKER HELP.
The strongest earthquake in China since 30 years killed thousands of people in Sichuan Province, and even more are left homeless. “WACKER HELP“, a charity initiated by employees and sponsored by WACKER Greater China, reacted at once: In a spontaneous relief effort, the employees collected money for the Chinese Red Cross last week to help the victims. By May 16, the 500 employees of WACKER Greater China had already collected nearly RMB 110,000. Matched by the same amount sponsored by the company, representatives of “WACKER HELP” today donated a total amount of nearly RMB 220,000 to the Red Cross Shanghai Branch.
“At the moment, no words can express our shock and deepest sympathy to the people and families affected. We sincerely hope that, with the support of the whole society, people in the affected area can carry on in this difficult time,” said Jean-Lionel Gros, President of WACKER Greater China. “As a corporate citizen, WACKER will try its best to help the surviving to rebuild their home.”
In addition to the short-term-relief donation to the Red Cross, WACKER Greater China will also search the disaster region for relief projects that are suitable for long-term support. Likewise, the WACKER Group expressed its deepest sympathy, too, and donated €50,000 (RMB 500,000) to support the relief projects for the earthquake victims. On top of this, the Executive Board will match every donation that WACKER employees make.
About WACKER HELP
“WACKER HELP”, the charity sponsored by both employees and the company, was established in early 2005, with the main purpose of promoting the education in the underprivileged area and initiating the social commonweal activities in other fields. Projects initiated in the past three years include: “WACKER HELP” libraries at a primary school in Qimen County (Anhui Province), blood specimen collection for haematopoietic stem cell donation in Shanghai and Suzhou.
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Industrial Sustainability Powered by Quality: WACKER POLYMERS Highlights New Products at 4th Beijing International Pre-Mixed Mortar & Wall Insulation Exhibition
Shanghai, April 1, 2008 – Under the motto “WACKER Quality Creates Value,” WACKER will present new solutions at the 4th Beijing International Pre-Mixed Mortar & Wall Insulation Exhibition from April 1-3. There, WACKER will highlight innovative decorative mortars that prevent visible efflorescence and enhance exterior insulation and finish systems. Moreover, WACKER will showcase specialty polymer powders for self-leveling applications in large public buildings.
At the tradeshow, WACKER will debut a new one-component decorative mortar based on VINNAPAS® dispersible polymer powders and targeted for enhancing exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). This new product can be tailored to resemble tiles or other natural stone surfaces, while retaining the consistency of common decorative mortars. Yet with this mortar, problems such as cracking and permeage of tile finishes are avoided, as are visible efflorescence and other flaws that plague common decorative mortars. The new product also exhibits self-cleaning properties, good breathability and excellent compatibility with EIFS materials, making it ideal not only in new buildings but also for renovating existing structures.
This new non-efflorescent decorative mortar boosts EIFS quality and has already been successfully applied in several projects. With increased adaptation of EIFS and a rising number of companies active in the EIFS sector, the industry’s attention has turned to EIFS quality. As a market and technology leader and key supplier of EIFS adhesive materials, WACKER continually introduces new, innovative solutions to enhance EIFS quality.
At the tradeshow, WACKER will highlight a self-leveling compound system in which VINNAPAS® polymer powders help create smooth surfaces, reduce foaming and hinder sedimentation. Furthermore, they feature a long open time and excellent adhesive strength.
WACKER’s experts will also present these products and their applications at the show’s forum.
In addition to innovative quality-enhancing solutions, WACKER furnishes its technical expertise at many levels and thus actively promotes quality awareness. Under the auspices of the German Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, the ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) Quality Alliance was set up last November by WACKER and other European companies. The aim is to increase the end market’s awareness of and sensitivity to quality, so as to ensure and improve EIFS effectiveness.
WACKER also collaborates closely with governments, associations, standards organizations and quality inspection departments to develop internationally accepted quality standards for energy-saving construction. WACKER’s VINNAPAS® ACADEMY in Beijing will launch a new marketing seminar in May. “This program deals with the 4P elements and marketing strategies of dry-mixed mortars,” says Zhang Huaizhu, China Business Development director of WACKER’s Construction Polymers business unit. “We aim to significantly boost overall quality awareness among industry players, and thus advance the sustainable and healthy development of China’s construction industry.”
In close collaboration with customers, WACKER’s technical centers focus on factors such as climatic conditions, local raw materials, region-specific applications and locally applicable standards. Internationally recognized WACKER products have been successfully applied, for instance, in underground car parks and flooring for a wide variety of Chinese public buildings – and particularly to construct Beijing’s Olympic venues and auxiliary facilities, such as the National Indoor Stadium, National Conference Center, Olympic Park Underground Commercial Project, and Beijing Airport’s new Terminal 3.
In China, WACKER POLYMERS has been promoting modern, low-environmental-impact building materials for more than 10 years. Recent rapid growth is due to China’s increasing demand for energy-saving materials. WACKER has two technical centers there – in Shanghai and Beijing – and is investing €50 million to construct a new dispersible polymer powder spray dryer in Nanjing with an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tons. Scheduled to start operations in late 2008, the new plant’s world-class production capacity will enable WACKER to meet China’s increasing construction-sector demand for high-quality polymeric binders .
VINNAPAS® Dispersible Polymer Powders and Dispersions
VINNAPAS® dispersible polymer powders and dispersions are thermoplastic, plasticizer-free polymers derived primarily from vinyl acetate and ethylene. In 1957, WACKER chemists first succeeded in industrially manufacturing the first powder binder as an additive for dry-mix mortars. That same year, the first spray dryer for dispersible polymer powders started operating. Today, WACKER POLYMERS is a global market and technology leader in the field of vinyl acetate-based copolymers and terpolymers – marketed worldwide under the VINNAPAS® trademark.
VINNAPAS® polymer powders and dispersions are used in diverse building applications such as exterior insulation and finish systems, construction and tile adhesives, screeds, self-leveling flooring compounds, plasters, repair mortars, grouts and cementitious sealing slurries. They enhance important end-product properties, such as adhesion, cohesion, flexibility and flexural strength. Water retention, processing properties and weatherability benefit from VINNAPAS®, too.
WACKER POLYMERS
WACKER POLYMERS is a leading producer of state-of-the-art binders and polymer additives in the form of dispersible polymer powders and dispersions, polyvinyl acetates, surface coating resins, polyvinyl butyrals and polyvinyl alcohol solutions. These products are used by companies in industries such as construction, autos, paper and adhesives, as well as by manufacturers of printing inks and surface coatings. WACKER POLYMERS has production sites in Germany, China and the USA, as well as a global sales network and technology centers in all major regions.
Visit WACKER POLYMERS at the 4th Beijing International Pre-Mixed Mortar & Wall Insulation Exhibition, Booths 1020, 1019, 1013 and 1014.
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Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi): WACKER Showcases New Solutions and Products for China Personal Care and Household Care Industry
Shanghai, March 10, 2008 – With the motto of ‘Surprise Your Senses’, Germany-based chemical corporation WACKER will showcase innovative solutions and products for the cosmetics industry at PCHi to be held from March 17 to 19 in Shanghai, China. Highlights will include a novel hybrid polymer for hair styling products, aminofunctional silicone emulsions for shampoos and conditioners for repair and care of damaged hair, pyrogenic silica for conditioners and treatment, antifoam agents for laundry detergents and conditioners and silicone softeners for fabric conditioners.
When choosing a hair spray, consumers are often guided by the degree of hold the product offers. However, surveys and market studies show that most respondents consider a pleasant touch to be just as important as good hold. These contradictory goals present formulators with a challenge: a hair spray that gives a very firm hold has poor tactile properties – the hair feels unnaturally stiff, hard, inflexible and rough. Conversely, if a hair spray is to impart a pleasant, soft and natural feel, the hold will inevitably be reduced.
WACKER’s newly developed hybrid polymer Wacker-Belsil® P 101 makes a big difference here. It lends hair a firm hold – without impairing the soft feel. The new product mainly consists of two building blocks: inorganic silicone on the one hand and organic vinyl acetate on the other. Lab studies and panel testing show that Wacker-Belsil®P 101 combines the positive properties of silicones with those of organic polymers that have proven effective in hairstyling products. Styling products containing this copolymer will provide not only good hold, but also a natural and soft feeling of hair.
In the summit held on March 18th during the PCHi trade show, WACKER will give a speech on this topic (Wacker-Belsil® P101- Creative Hybrid Polymer for Hair Styling - Perfect Combination of Feeling and Styling).
Aminofunctional Silicone Emulsions for Hair Care Products
Continuous coloring and perming increases the risk of hair damage considerably. Wacker-Belsil® ADM 6060 is a good choice to repair damaged hair and to improve its smoothness. The product is a new generation of macroemulsion which contains a reactive high-viscose amino-functional dimethylsiloxane. Due to its structure, it can rebuild a hydrophobic layer on the hair making the hair smooth and shine. It also improves softness and reduces combing forces. Wacker-Belsil® ADM 6060 is therefore used for the conditioning of hair fibers in several hair care applications such as of shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and styling products. The new product is especially suitable for products for repair and care of damage hair.
Pyrogenic Silica: Good Performance for Hair Conditioners
In most consumers’ minds an ideal hair conditioner should have a high viscosity as well as an even appearance in order to allow easy spread and application. Formulating these features with traditional cosmetic components such as high molecular-weight organic ingredients proves very difficult.
At PCHi, WACKER will showcase pyrogenic silicas (trademark: HDK®) which offer a solution. HDK® not only builds up the viscosity effectively and significantly improves the thixotropy of hair conditioners. It also improves the final appearance. Comparisons with traditional viscosity-building ingredients show that HDK® – even in very low dosages – enhances hair smoothness during both washing and drying significantly. In addition to hair care applications, HDK® is used in skin care color cosmetics and in deodorants as a thicking agent.
Silicone Softeners: Make Multi-Functional Fabric Softeners Come True
Nowadays, consumers are not satisfied with the simple function of fabric conditioner. They seek for more characteristics such as bulkiness feeling, softness and smoothness, easy ironing, fast drying etc. This is just what WACKER’s silicone softeners can offer. In addition, innovative silicone softeners impart more advantages to fabric conditioners in the competitive market. For example, self-crosslinking aminosilicone emulsion Wacker® FC 201 can improve both anti-wrinkle and wrinkle recovery properties. Another example is Wacker® FC 202. It is an amino-functionalized silicone fluid with a polyether group, which solves the conflict between rewetting and softness raised by traditional silicone softeners.
SILFOAM® Silicone Foam Control Systems for Laundry Detergents and Fabric Conditioners
With the popularity of front loader washing machines, modern laundry detergents and conditioners require higher efficiency with outstanding foam control. An ideal antifoam agent is the key to achieve tailored laundry products, such as different foam levels in the washing procedure.
As a leading manufacturer of foam control systems, WACKER develops SILFOAM® silicone-based antifoam agents for household applications. Besides high efficiency foam control, SILFOAM® improves the alkaline resistance and compatibility, which ensure excellent defoaming effects and a homogeneous distribution for any type of detergent. In addition, the SILFOAM® silicone antifoam series also suits other household cleaning products, ranging from universal cleaners to special applications such as glass cleaners or carpet cleaners.
WACKER SILICONES
WACKER SILICONES 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.
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Chinaplas 2008 - WACKER SILICONES Presents Flame Resistant Silicone Rubber for Safety Cables
Shanghai, February 29, 2008 – At Chinaplas 2008, WACKER SILICONES will present silicone rubbers for flame-resistant safety cables to the Chinese market. Safety cables made from ELASTOSIL® R silicone rubber ceramify in case of a fire and therefore are able to maintain their functionality for a certain period of time. WACKER will also present various silicone elastomers for numerous industries ranging from automotive, medical technology, electrical and eletronics engineering to household, health care and baby care. This year’s Chinaplas will be held at Pudong, Shanghai, from April 17 to 20.
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WACKER SILICONES’ specialty portfolio of flame resistant silicone rubbers includes ELASTOSIL® R 512/70, ELASTOSIL® R 502/75 and ELASTOSIL® R 503/75. All grades provide good durability as well as excellent insulating and mechanical properties. Safety cables made with silicones from WACKER comply with all major international standards like DIN 4102, UL 2 196 and IEC 60331.
Alternatively, WACKER also supplies preformed silicone rubber grade pellets, which can be processed in an extruder. Cables made of these products are used for underground cables and signal cables in transportation systems, airports and public buildings. Thanks to its special technology, WACKER is a globally leading producer of silicone rubber grades for the cable industry.
“Our primary goal is to offer Chinese customers customized products and solutions which perfectly match their requirements. By doing this, we help them to consolidate their business success,” says Armin Rische, head of elastomer business of WACKER SILICONES in China. “Through our technical center in Shanghai, we are able to adjust our product formulation according to the specific application needs. We also run a production plant in Zhangjiagang, where we produce silicone elastomers locally. This gives us the possibility to manufacture customized products with a short lead time.“
WACKER SILICONES
With a range of over 3,000 silicone products, WACKER SILICONES ranks among the world’s largest manufacturers of silanes and silicones. The business division is a leading supplier of complete silicone-based solutions that comprise products, services and conceptual approaches. As a provider of solutions, WACKER SILICONES helps customers press ahead with innovations, exploit global markets fully, and optimize business processes to reduce overall costs and boost productivity. Silicones from WACKER SILICONES are basis of materials with highly diverse product properties for virtually unlimited applications, ranging from the automotive, construction, chemical, electronical engineering and electronics industries, through pulp and paper, cosmetics, consumer care, textiles, to mechanical engineering and metal processing.
Visit WACKER SILICONES at booth W2Q01 at Chinaplas 2008.
Picture: Safety cables using WACKER’s specialty silicone rubber will form a cereamic layer in a fire and remain functional for 90 minutes at temperature of up to 1000 oC. ( Photo: WACKER CHEMIE AG )
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WACKER Named Top Employer
Shanghai, December 7, 2007 – WACKER Chemicals was recognized as one of China’s “Top Employers 2008™ Shanghai Region” by Corporate Research Foundation (CRF), an international organization that identifies top performers among major employers. After a comprehensive selection process involving questionnaires, interviews and a survey of corporate leadership, strategies and human resources skills, CRF recognized WACKER’s long-standing commitment to its staff by naming the company as a top employer in China.
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Mr. Jean-Lionel Gros, President of WACKER Greater China, received the award at the ceremony.
Munich-based WACKER is a globally active chemical company with a presence in China for more than 15 years. WACKER’s China-based operations currently employ about 500 people around Greater China. As a chemical corporation highly committed to R&D and innovation, WACKER is dedicated to environmental protection, energy saving and sustainable development.
“We are pleased and honored to be selected as China’s Top Employer Shanghai Region. At WACKER, our commitment to sustainable development not only encompasses environmental protection programs and corporate responsibility initiatives, it also means developing our employees and their career paths together with speeding up our localization. CRF’s recognition of WACKER as one of China’s top employers acknowledges the special commitment our entire Greater China management team makes to developing our people, supporting our employees and becoming compelling role models,” said Jean-Lionel Gros, WACKER Greater China President. “At WACKER, we heavily invest in career development because we believe motivated employees are our company’s most valuable asset who will make satisfied customers. By creating an integrated training system based on the competencies of employees, we make people development a top priority.”
The unique employee experience at WACKER begins during the initial job interview. China’s demand for experienced talent is considerable, especially in the chemical sector, but we are facing the challenge of shortage of talent like other fast growing countries. WACKER performs job interviews as real conversations with potential employees, a dialogue based on mutual honesty and respect with the focus on potential.
“Our three principles of equality, sincerity and potential-focusing start from the initial interview and continue to be applied in the daily work of our employees. WACKER values a candidate’s potential to develop within the company, and not just their past experience,” said Rebecca Liu, Human Resources Director Greater China. “Once someone joins our company, we create many opportunities for continued growth and learning. Our top-level support for developing our employees’ future is a key reason we were recognized as one of China’s top employers.”
WACKER Greater China’s innovative HR program facilitates many different methods to support the management team’s commitment to developing our employees. The active training and people development plans, recruitment programs, diversified employee activities and multi-channel, two-way employee communication are just a few ways WACKER enhances our employee competencies and creates a constructive working environment. As an initiative to promote employee development and involve our dedicated management team, WACKER created the Mentor Program. The Mentor Program has successfully built up the dialogue opportunity between employee and senior managers and helped employees advance quickly which contributes to WACKER’s people development system.
Being an responsible employer, WACKER open door policies, interactive employee communication meetings, newsletter and other various communication channels, integration activities emphasize our management team’s commitment to building a well integrated team and a corporate culture of open, trust and respect.
Being a responsible employer, WACKER is committed to support employee development, also contribute social responsibility.
With the company’s support, “WACKER HELP” – an initiative proposed by an employee – was established in early 2005. This charity committee promotes education in underprivileged areas and engages in other social activities. The foundation, now internally managed, has received significant support from both WACKER Greater China’s employees and the company.
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Contacts
Wacker Chemical (China) Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications
Ms. Jessica He
Tel: +86 21 6100-3588
Fax: +86 21 6100-3500
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