Germany-based chemical supplier Wacker Chemie AG has opened its new silicones R&D center in Ann Arbor, Mich. that will be used to develop new products for its customers in the U.S. and Canada.
In a statement, Wacker said the facility represented a “single digit million dollar investment” that will be operated by Wacker Chemical Corp., Wacker’s Adrian, Mich.-based subsidiary for North and Central America and the North Andean Region of South America.
A team of highly specialized researchers in the field of silicone and polymer chemistry are working on silicone solutions for Wacker’s key market segments.
The silicones center is located at the co-work campus of the Michigan Innovation Headquarters in Ann Arbor, and includes laboratories for R&D and analytics that will be staffed with “highly specialized experts in the field of silicone and polymer chemistry,” Wacker said in its statement.
“We have completed the necessary preparation work and installation of equipment for several labs focusing on research and development,” said David Wilhoit, Wacker Chemical Corp. president and CEO. “Right from the start we are engaged in projects involving health and medical care, paints and coatings, electronics and personal care products, all of which are key industry growth segments, particularly for silicone-based chemistry.”
“Our silicone research at the Ann Arbor R&D center will be focused on developing advanced and forward-looking solutions in concert with regional trends that can be quickly brought to market,” said Axel Schmidt, Wacker Chemical’s vice president for silicones. “And importantly, our team of highly specialized R&D experts in the field of silicone and polymer chemistry will be offering customers long term technical assistance in support of our future business growth.”
