Key Events in 2020

After being commissioned in 2019, the new gas turbine for the Burghausen site’s captive power plant is now in operation. This reduces CO₂ emissions by 300,000 metric tons and nitrogen ­oxides by 30 percent. The electricity generated is easier to adjust to ­actual electricity needs. The 135-megawatt power plant is a significant factor in securing the site’s supply of ­electricity and energy.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, WACKER donated 11,000 liters of isopropyl alcohol to make 15,000 liters of disinfectants for Bavarian hospitals and care facilities.

Production of silicone cartridges at the company’s Nünchritz site, which began late 1998/early 1999, reached one billion units.

The pandemic triggered the biggest decline in WACKER’S sales in a single month.

WACKER invested in its Amsterdam production facilities for biologics, LMPs (live microbial products) and vaccines.

The coronavirus pandemic compelled WACKER to hold its first-ever online Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.

WACKER opened a competence center for thermal interface materials in Shanghai.

WACKER’S Executive Board and employee representatives signed a framework agreement on the Shape the Future efficiency program. By 2022, the Group plans to cut about 1,200 jobs and save a total of €250 million, half in personnel and half in non-personnel costs.

WACKER and biopharmaceutical ­company CureVac signed a contract to produce an mRNA-based vaccine against Covid-19. WACKER’S Amsterdam site plans to make around 100 million doses of the CureVac ­vaccine annually.

WACKER’S Supervisory Board approved an agreement to sell WACKER’S stake in Siltronic AG, its publicly listed associate, to Taiwan’s ­GlobalWafers Co., Ltd. WACKER holds a stake of about 30.8 percent in Siltronic AG. The offer price was €125 per share.