Expansions: Domo India expands compounding capacities; Wacker starts production of hybrid polymers in Germany

Materials supplier Domo Chemicals has officially ramped up its compounding operations in Mumbai, India, to meet rising demand for high-performance engineering plastics in the country. This expands its portfolio of engineered materials based on polyamides and other resins.

India’s rapid industrial growth, particularly in e-mobility and electronics, is fuelling the need for lightweight, flame- and heat-resistant, and sustainable materials. Domo adds its enhanced capacity will produce locally high-value engineered plastics based on nylon and other resins, designed for applications such as electronic connectors, smart devices and automotive components.

"The establishment of the new line shortens the delivery timeline for our Indian and other Asian customers,” says ‌Soumya Mishra, Head of EM Business India at Domo. “It will also be accompanied by increased technical support from our local R&D team to help our clients achieve their innovation ambitions." 

Itslatest compounding technology integrates sustainable manufacturing practices that reduce energy use, carbon emissions and production waste. The company’s Technyl 4Eearth range is a PA6-based solution made from recycled fishing nets and textiles, used in Tata Toyo fan and shroud systems.

“India stands out as one of our fastest growing markets globally,” says Ron Bult, General Manager Asia at Domo. "This capacity expansion reinforces our supply chain resilience and our long-term dedication to rapid response, innovation and sustainable growth in the region."

With this move, Domo says it continues to scale its footprint in Asia, delivering next-generation solutions that support smarter mobility, safer electronics and a more sustainable future. 

Meanwhile in other news, silicones producer Wacker has commenced production of hybrid polymers at its Nünchritz site in Germany. The new production facility is currently undergoing ramp-up. Hybrid polymers serve as binders for high-quality adhesives and sealants. Such binders are increasingly being employed by manufacturers of construction and assembly adhesives, parquet-flooring adhesives or liquid waterproofing membranes for roofs and balconies. The alpha-silane-terminated hybrid polymers from Wacker enable the formulation of tin-free, consumer-friendly products, it adds. The costs of the new production facility are in the double-digit million euros range.

The new high-speed facility will replace the existing production plant at the Burghausen site and will substantially boost production capacity for hybrid polymers.

“With annual growth rates of well over 5% in some cases, the market for hybrid polymers is extremely attractive for us,” says Managing Board member Christian Kirsten. “Wacker adds it is already a world-leading manufacturer of silane-terminated polymers,” he adds.

The ultra-modern production line at the Nünchritz site features a range of technical innovations, with an integrated combination of key working steps within the building keeps distances short and makes for highly efficient continuous production processes. “The new facility’s production capacity will increase our output many times over,” says Tom Koini, Head of the Silicones business division. It can also be expanded to accommodate future growth, he adds. “If the market continues to grow as dynamically as before, we will be able to significantly boost our production capacity once again.”

Hybrid polymers rank among the business division’s most important growth fields. Offered under the name Geniosil STP-E, the products serve as silane crosslinking binders for formulating high-performance adhesives and sealants for industrial and construction applications and, more recently, for liquid waterproofing membranes.

Since hybrid polymers based on Wacker’s proprietary alpha-silane technology can also be used to produce tin-free products, they are environmentally and consumer-friendly.

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