Wacker Chemical Corporation establishing North American Innovation Center & Regional Headquarters in Pittsfield Charter Township

Chemical solutions provider to invest, add jobs with support from Michigan Strategic Fund

 

LANSING, Mich. – Wacker Chemical Corporation (WACKER) is building a new North American Innovation Center & Regional Headquarters in Pittsfield Charter Township that will house its North American headquarters and R&D operations, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The project is expected to create 70 high-paying, high-skilled jobs.

“WACKER’s expansion in Michigan means well-paying jobs for Michigan residents and underscores the strength of the state’s advanced manufacturing industry and talented workforce,” said MEDC Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President Josh Hundt. “This new Innovation Center & Regional Headquarters continues to build on Michigan’s R&D leadership and sends yet another strong signal that Michigan’s economic recovery is well underway. We’re pleased that Michigan was chosen over competing sites in other states for this new headquarters facility, and we look forward to working with WACKER as they continue to grow and add jobs in Michigan.”

The new Innovation Center & Regional Headquarters will serve as a leading-edge location for advanced R&D activities and enhanced employee collaboration, allowing the company to tap into the local pool of highly-qualified personnel who have scientific backgrounds in various disciplines and also supporting WACKER’s long-term growth plans in the state. The building capacity of more than 300 employees will include those who will relocate from WACKER’s current regional headquarters in the city of Adrian as well as up to 70 new jobs to be added in the next five years. WACKER will continue production of elastomers, silicone fluids and silicone emulsions at its existing Adrian operations, with approximately two-thirds of the current employees remaining there.

This is WACKER’s second expansion in Michigan in recent years. In 2017, the company established a Silicones R&D Center in Ann Arbor. The new headquarters project is expected to create 70 highly paid jobs and generate a total private investment of $51 million, resulting in a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen for the North American Innovation Center & Regional Headquarters over competing sites in Tennessee and Ohio. The project aligns with MEDC’s strategic focus of attracting, retaining and supporting a business in the focus industries of advanced manufacturing and engineering, design and development, while fostering high-wage skills growth. In addition, WACKER has a robust on-the-job training program, with both internal and external opportunities for advancement. The company is also actively engaged with schools and universities, and has supported a successful internship program to provide hands-on opportunities to students.

“We are excited to move forward with our Innovation Center and Regional Headquarters to be located within Michigan,” said WACKER President & CEO David Wilhoit. “Our new facility will enable future growth in the state and serve as an important anchor for our operations across North America. This area is one of the nation’s leading communities for R&D. We look forward to networking with, and recruiting from, this highly educated and skilled talent base.”

Pittsfield Charter Township has offered a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project. For information on careers with Wacker Chemical Corporation, visit https://www.wacker.com/cms/en-us/careers/overview.html.

“Ann Arbor SPARK has worked with WACKER for more than four years, helping the company locate its R&D facility here, where it has access to the technical talent it needs to advance its business,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “WACKER has remained steadfast in its desire to stay in this region, despite attractive offers from other states vying for the company to relocate. All around, it’s gratifying to see this project advance and for WACKER to break ground on a permanent home in Pittsfield Township. Ann Arbor SPARK will continue to support WACKER’s future growth, especially as it works to hire workers at this new location.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.