The worst earthquake in 30 years has hit China, wreaking havoc in Sichuan province. WACKER’s relief fund (WACKER HILFSFOND) provided immediate help.

Collapsed houses, devastated cities, thousands dead: on Monday, May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale destroyed numerous cities in southwest China, north of Chengdu – the capital of Sichuan province. Heavy tremors surprised the inhabitants at 2.28 p.m. local time.

To our present knowledge, WACKER employees and their families have not been directly affected, but our Chinese colleagues are shocked by the effects of the natural disaster. Their deepest sympathy at this time goes to the victims and their relatives.

Group CEO Dr. Rudolf Staudigl described his concern to WACKER Greater China employees: “The whole WACKER Group expresses its deepest sympathy in light of this terrible disaster. Words seem hollow and powerless in these situations. Nevertheless, we want you to know how much the news and TV pictures have affected us.”

The Executive Board has donated €50,000 (RMB 500,000) to WACKER’s relief fund (WACKER HILFSFOND) as emergency aid for the earthquake victims. On top of this, the Executive Board will match every donation that WACKER employees make.