Wacker opens training centre in Japan

Tsukuba, Japan – Wacker Chemie AG opened its Wacker Academy, a training centre for the production of silicone products, in Tsukuba, Japan on 24 March.

The facility, Wacker said in a news release, strengthens its local expertise in areas such as research and development, application technology and customer support.

The new facility also combines under one roof the company's training, production, research and development. Wacker said this offers seminar participants access to training labs with state-of-the-art equipment and allows them to "perform extensive practical exercises alongside their theoretical sessions."

"Our new training centre in Tsukuba is another milestone in our growth strategy for Asia, particularly for Japan," Christian Hartel, a member of Wacker's executive board, said during the opening ceremony. "Thanks to this unique Japanese facility, we can generate high added value for our local customers and partners and expand our technical expertise in the region."

The training centre’s seminar program, which focuses on personal care products, release coatings, electronic applications and sealants, is tailored to meet the specific market needs in Japan and Asia.

Moreover, it complements a silicone manufacturing joint venture, Wacker Asahikasei Silicone, which also is located Tsukuba.

"Wacker Academy is a highly effective tool for responding to the sophisticated demands of Japanese customers," said Hiroshi Yoshida, lead executive officer of the joint venture partner Asahi Kasei Corporation. "I anticipate that the facility will boost AWS's growth."