WACKER acquired the Nünchritz site - a chemical-industry location since 1900 - effective October 1, 1998. As part of an extensive plant expansion program, WACKER has invested over €550 million since 1999 - creating more than 200 new jobs and trainee positions. Today, the site has 900 employees, of which 60 are trainees. As a result, WACKER is the largest industrial employer in the county and one of the key companies in the region. The new monomer plant with its distillation columns represents the heart of this Saxony-based silicone site, which exports its products to customers around the globe.

The production facilities form a highly integrated production system that ensures a maximum recycling of by-products and raw materials. On the basis of the integrated silicon-based production system, the Nünchritz site has been continuously optimizing its raw-material and energy consumption and reducing environmental impact via solid waste, wastewater and emissions.

Modern safety technology for new and existing facilities at the site, as well as a well-equipped plant fire department ensure a large degree of safety and minimize potential risks to employees, production processes, neighbors and the environment. As a result, the number of accidents at the site is very low and significantly beneath the industry average. The Nünchritz site's quality and environmental management was successfully certified to ISO 14001 in 2000. Since 2001, the site has been a member of Saxony's environmental alliance - documented in detail in the site's annual environmental report.

A new polysilicon production plant is currently under construction. Start of production is planned for 2011. WACKER has budgeted some €800 million for this project, which should create around 450 new jobs.