Strategy at Each Business Division

As the world’s second-largest producer of silicones, WACKER SILICONES intends to continue increasing its share of high-margin specialties to generate profitable growth. In relation to standard products, the division’s focus is on being a full-range supplier with global reach and achieving cost leadership via economies of scale. WACKER POLYMERS is pursuing growth by concentrating on the trend toward value-added construction materials and actively promoting related industry standards (transformation). Using the advantages offered by VAE dispersions and dispersible powders, the division aims to replace conventional technologies (substitution) and tap new application areas. By operating production facilities for both VAE dispersions and dispersible polymer powders across the globe, WACKER POLYMERS creates opportunities to tap into growth regions faster. WACKER BIOSOLUTIONS is focusing on expanding its biotech activities and on acquiring new customers. To this end, the division is leveraging its extensive expertise and its facilities for making biotech products on an industrial scale. As for polysilicon business, WACKER POLYSILICON is concentrating on efficiency and high cash inflows from operating activities. The top priorities are cutting production costs further, increasing the output of existing manufacturing plants, and reducing consumption of energy and raw materials. At the same time, we will maintain the high standard of quality that has become the industry benchmark. Our business focus is to build on our market position with semiconductor customers and to grow our share of the market for solar-grade monocrystalline polysilicon.

Silicones

General term used to describe compounds of organic molecules and silicon. According to their areas of application, silicones can be classified as fluids, resins or rubber grades. Silicones are characterized by a myriad of outstanding properties. Typical areas of application include construction, the electrical and electronics industries, shipping and transportation, textiles and paper coatings.

Dispersions

Binary system in which one component is finely dispersed in another. VINNAPAS^® dispersions are vinyl-acetate-based copolymers and terpolymers in liquid form. They are mainly used as binders in the construction industry, e. g. for grouts, plasters and primers.

Dispersible Polymer Powders

Created by drying dispersions in spray or disc dryers. VINNAPAS^® polymer powders are recommended as binders in the construction industry, e.g. for tile adhesives, self-leveling compounds and repair mortars. They improve adhesion, cohesion, flexibility and flexural strength as well as water-retention and processing properties.

Polysilicon

Hyperpure polycrystalline silicon from WACKER POLYSILICON is used for manufacturing wafers for the electronics and solar industries. To produce it, metallurgical-grade silicon is converted into liquid trichlorosilane, highly distilled and deposited in hyperpure form at 1,000 ° C.