News on Wacker

News on suppliers, market trends and technology innovations in polysilicon and wafer production is selected, assessed and written for you by Bernreuter Research.

Workers at polysilicon plant in China

Chinese polysilicon producers intensify cut-throat competition

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GCL-Poly Energy Holdings and Tongwei Group have announced production capacities that are larger than originally planned for their new polysilicon factories.

Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee

Wacker feels the brunt of the polysilicon market downturn

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The EBITDA margin of Wacker’s polysilicon division has become razor-thin: In the third quarter of 2018, the ratio slumped to just 2.5%, down from 16.2% in the previous quarter and 24.9% in the prior year period.

Reopening ceremony for Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee with Dr. Tobias Brandis, Dr. Rudolf Staudigl, Mary Beth Hudson, Dr. Peter-Alexander Wacker, and David Wilhoit (from left)

Wacker restarts U.S. polysilicon plant after eight-month halt

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After investigating the cause of the hydrogen explosion that occurred on September 7, 2017 and repairing the damaged equipment and building, Wacker has restarted production at its U.S. polysilicon plant near Charleston.

Hydrogen explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee

Faulty piston caused explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant

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According to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a faulty piston in a hydrogen compressor has caused the explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant. 

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from December 2016 through November 2017

China’s polysilicon imports in November returned to level of June

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After a seasonal low in October, polysilicon imports into China in November rose to 14,918 metric tons, an increase of 33.8% month over month.

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from November 2016 through October 2017

Weak Chinese polysilicon imports worsened by Wacker shortfall

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Polysilicon imports into China dropped considerably from the record high of 17,628 metric tons (MT) in September to 11,153 MT in October.

Charleston residents protest against Wacker’s communication policy after hydrogen explosion at its polysilicon plant

Wacker: U.S. polysilicon plant shutdown will take several months

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After a hydrogen explosion has damaged its U.S. polysilicon plant, Wacker expects it will take several months until the plant is restarted. The company’s communication policy has sparked harsh criticism in the local community.

Vapor plume containing traces of hydrochloric acid after explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee

Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant temporarily closed after explosion

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Chlorosilane escaped from two leaks after an explosion at Wacker’s polysilicon plant near Charleston, Tennessee (USA) on September 7. Production has been suspended until the cause of the explosion is found.

Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee

Chemicals from Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant injure five workers

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A release of chemicals at Wacker’s polysilicon plant near Charleston, Tennessee (USA) has caused burns to five workers. They were taken to hospitals.

Tongwei logo on building

China-based Tongwei builds another 25,000-ton polysilicon plant

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After announcing a new polysilicon plant with a capacity of 25,000 tons in Leshan in March, Chinese Tongwei Group is planning to build another 25,000-ton plant in Baotou, Inner Mongolia.

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