Chemical manufacturer Wacker has commenced the expansion of its polysilicon manufacturing capacity through 2007. The cornerstone was laid here for a new production facility geared toward supplying the solar industry with hyperpure polycrystalline silicon.

The new plant is slated to produce 2,500 metric tons annually. This, together with other expansion measures, should boost Wacker’s annual solar silicon capacity from the present 5,500 tons to as much as 9,000 tons beginning in 2008.

Expanding output enables Wacker to meet soaring global demand for hyperpure polycrystalline silicon, according to the company. The main growth driver is the solar industry, which requires silicon for the manufacture of solar cells. WACKER is investing some 200 million euros in the new plant and expects to create 100 jobs as a result.

“In volume terms, we see ourselves already as the second-largest global polysilicon producer for the semiconductor and photovoltaics industries and as the market leader in the solar-poly segment,” said Ewald Schindlbeck, president of Wacker Polysilicon. “Capacity expansion is essential for reinforcing our strong market position in this highly attractive growth segment.”