Market indicators show that there is significant potential for growth in the
US silicones market which is expected to top $3.8bn over the next 3 years. Elsewhere
in the world, there have been announcements in setting up new manufacturing
facilities or R&D centres in Asia, notably in China.
One such investment is by Wacker and its 50-50 JV partner Dow Corning, which
is carrying out a USD$600 million plant expansion in Zhangjiagang. This world-class
scale siloxane manufacturing facility will be located in the Jiangsu Yangtze
River Chemical Industrial Park, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province. Also included
in the joint venture project is a fumed silica plant, which together will support
the vigorous growth and demand for silicone materials of both the Chinese and
Asian markets. The integrated site in Zhangjiagang will also house other facilities
owned and operated separately by Dow Corning and WACKER for the manufacture
of silicone finished products.
A regional research centre for silicone resins, construction polymers, silicone
emulsion and antifoam agents to serve Southeast Asian customer is also being
set up in Singapore.
Silicone is used in a myriad of applications ranging from construction, chemicals,
cosmetics, textiles, automotive, paper and electronics. New technology advances
and latest developments in the end use markets are beginning to propel new investments
in this capital intensive but very lucrative industry. These will the focus
of a pioneer conference on Global Silicone Business Outlook to be held this
September 25-26, in Shanghai China.
Co-organized by CMT
and CCN, the high-level panelists invited to deliver presentations will include
industry leaders from Dow Corning, Gelest, Momentive Performance Materials,
Bluestar Silicones, Jilin Petrochemical, Elkay Chemicals and others. Besides
discussing new global business opportunities, the speakers will share their
views on the potential use of silicone fluids, silicone rubber, new applications
and how new players can participate in this growing industry.