At €2.00 billion in 2016, sales at WACKER SILICONES topped the two-billion euro mark for the first time, after €1.94 billion in 2015. That was an increase of 3.0 percent. Higher volumes were the main growth driver, though they were partially offset by somewhat lower prices. WACKER SILICONES was able to increase its sales in all three of its business sectors, with sales of specialty products continuing to rise disproportionately. Silicones and silicone rubber – for consumer goods, chemicals, energy and electronics applications, and high-value construction products – sold especially well. From a regional perspective, growth was strongest in Europe, while WACKER SILICONES posted further sales gains in Asia.

Compared with the previous year, EBITDA outpaced sales growth, climbing 30.8 percent to €361.2 million (2015: €276.2 million). The rise was fueled by volume growth, good plant utilization and high levels of cost efficiency. At 18.1 percent, the EBITDA margin was markedly higher (2015: 14.2 percent).

Investment spending rose by 8.0 percent year over year, amounting to €88.6 million (2015: €82.0 million). The funds were primarily for expanding silicone plants at the Burghausen site and for expansions at the Nünchritz site. The division had 4,566 employees as of December 31, 2016 (Dec. 31, 2015: 4,353).

Key Data: WACKER SILICONES