Sales at WACKER POLYMERS rose by 1 percent in 2016 to €1.195 billion (2015: €1.186 billion). The increase was fueled by higher volumes for dispersions and dispersible polymer powders, which were partly offset by lower prices.

WACKER POLYMERS posted a substantial increase in sales of dispersions, especially in the Americas, and continued to grow in Asia. The highest growth rate, of around 20 percent, was achieved in India. Sales of dispersible polymer powders grew strongly, especially in North America and Europe.

At €261.0 million, EBITDA was clearly above the year-earlier level (2015: €222.2 million). This reflected the impact of much higher volumes, good plant capacity utilization and very high levels of cost efficiency. The EBITDA margin improved to 21.8 percent (2015: 18.7 percent).

Investments decreased year over year, amounting to €37.5 million (2015: €47.4 million). Funds were spent on the expansion of existing production facilities and on a new pilot reactor for dispersions at the Nanjing site in China. With its new plant, WACKER POLYMERS is developing local R&D activities in China and expanding its product range, application technology and customer service there. As of December 31, 2016, the division had 1,484 employees, slightly more than the year before (Dec. 31, 2015: 1,461).

Key Data: WACKER POLYMERS