WACKER Completes Capacity Expansion for Dispersions and Powders in Nanjing

An inauguration ceremony held marked the completion of the capacity expansion for vinyl-acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders at WACKER’s Nanjing site in China. With a new reactor for dispersions and a new spray dryer for dispersible polymer powders, the expansion more than doubles WACKER’s production capacity in Nanjing, enabling it to meet growing customer demand for its high-quality binders, particularly from China’s buoyant construction industry. WACKER invested around US$ 100 million in its integrated production site for the expansion measure.

WACKER has completed the capacity expansion measures for the production of vinyl-acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders at WACKER’s Nanjing site in China. The new production lines were officially inaugurated.

“China is the world’s largest construction market, covering about 20 percent of global construction expenditure. Our VAE dispersions and dispersible powders enable us to supply the growing construction market in China with binders for various applications such as ceramic tile adhesives, waterproofing membranes or carpets. This capacity expansion in Nanjing strengthens our position as the global leader for vinyl-acetate-ethylene dispersions and polymer powders“, noted Christian Hartel, CEO of Wacker Chemie AG. What is more, China is already one of the world’s most important adhesive markets.

WACKER’s Nanjing expansion corresponds to a total investment of more than US$ 100 million. The new production facilities more than double the annual capacity of VAE dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders on site. The VAE dispersions project is designed around an advanced dispersion-polymerization process and a safety control system that meets high standards, making the entire process cutting edge in this field. The new production line for VAE dispersible polymer powders adopts advanced spray-drying technology and features an advanced process control system (APC). The two new plants are the largest of their kind in the world. The Nanjing site is one of four production sites WACKER POLYMERS operates globally.

WACKER’s Nanjing expansion was launched at the end of 2020 and successfully completed after overcoming various challenges posed by the Corona pandemic during construction. Nearly two hundred guests attended the inauguration event, including government representatives, customers, and distributors.