Silicones

Silicones posted an increase in sales in 2024. Sales came to €2.81 billion (2023: €2.74 billion), up by 2.3 percent year over year. This development was driven mainly by an improved product mix, with a higher proportion of specialty products. From a regional perspective, Silicones’ sales rose in all regions.

EBITDA increased markedly year over year, coming in at €347.2 million (2023: €236.4 million), up 47 percent year over year. In addition to the improved product mix, the plant-utilization rate was up as against 2023. The EBITDA margin was 12.4 percent (2023: 8.6 percent).

Capital spending in the Silicones division increased by 10.3 percent compared to the previous year to total €266.3 million (2023: €241.4 million). Funds were invested in projects such as the capacity extension measures at the Zhangjiagang site in China, where several new production lines for the manufacture of functional silicone fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels are currently being built. Another investment focus was on the construction of a new production site in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, where room-temperature-curing high-performance silicones will be produced as of the end of 2025. In May, WACKER also acquired the US coater Bio Med Sciences Inc. as part of an asset deal. The acquisition will allow the company to expand its expertise and business in the field of silicone-coated healthcare products. As of December 31, 2024, the division had 6,242 employees (Dec. 31, 2023: 6,040).