Wacker Chemical Corporation's pioneering site in the United States announces its 60th anniversary on April 27. Originating from Munich, Germany, Wacker began silicone manufacturing in Adrian, Michigan, in 1969. The facility was initially built and owned by Stauffer Chemicals in 1964. Wacker assumed full ownership in 1987.

Wacker Chemical Corporation's 240-acre site in Adrian, Michigan, celebrates its 60th anniversary and is Wacker’s first site in the United States.

"We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude and congratulations to the Wacker Chemical Corporation in Adrian upon its 60th anniversary," said State of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Over the last six decades, the Wacker Chemical Corporation in Adrian has sought to build innovative and environmentally conscious products that power important industries in our state and around the globe."

Guided by Wacker’s global leadership, the Adrian facility has been at the forefront of silicone manufacturing in the U.S., driving innovation and contributing significantly to various emerging industries. Leveraging Wacker's expertise in silicone raw materials, fluids, and emulsions, the site has played a pivotal role in advancing automotive technologies and introducing specialized silicone applications, such as silicone-coated dressings and bandages for wound care. These products boast skin-friendly properties, superior adhesive qualities, and enhanced patient comfort, meeting the evolving needs of consumers in the healthcare sector and beyond.

"For more than 100 years, Wacker has proven its leadership and innovative spirit by taking a multifaceted approach to a sustainable world," said David Wilhoit, President and CEO of Wacker Chemical Corporation. "We are proud of the many accomplishments of our team members in Adrian who daily demonstrate the wisdom of Wacker’s investment in the United States."

Having once served as Wacker’s regional headquarters, the Adrian site's significance was further amplified with the establishment of Wacker's regional innovation center in May 2022. This state-of-the-art facility, housing Wacker Chemical Corporation's headquarters, has been instrumental in driving WACKER Group's business activities across North and Central America, encompassing finance, marketing, sales, and technical departments, alongside hosting the Wacker Academy and technical center.

"Adrian is proud to have been Wacker's pioneering investment in the United States," stated Tom Urbanowski, Senior Director of Operations for Wacker Chemical Corporation in Adrian. "Over the past 60 years, our team members have safely showcased the United States as a strategic and fruitful investment destination for Wacker."