Wacker Chemical Corporation to Build Headquarters near Ann Arbor
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI – A chemical company is building a new innovation center and regional headquarters in the Ann Arbor area.
Wacker Chemical Corporation is investing in a nearly 14 acre site at 4950 S. State St. in the Township of Pittsfield. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the North American Innovation Center and regional headquarters will house 300 employees, including those at its Adrian headquarters and 70 new “highly paid” employees. Two-thirds of Adrian’s employees will remain to continue production of elastomers, silicone fluids and silicone emulsions.
The company is expected to innovate before the end of the year and complete the project by 2022, MEDC spokeswoman Kathleen Achtenberg said.
“We are excited to move forward with our innovation center and regional headquarters in Michigan,” Wacker CEO David Wilhoit said in a statement. “Our new facility will enable the state’s future growth and serve as an important anchor for our operations in North America. This area is one of the main national communities in terms of R&D. We look forward to networking and recruiting from this highly educated and skilled talent base. “
Chemical company looking to Ann Arbor area to build its headquarters
The company researched the Ann Arbor area to tap into the local talent pool. Business offices will occupy more than 70% of the building and around 30% will be devoted to research and development, according to the site plan. The Township of Pittsfield Charter offered a 50% property tax rebate to support the project. The site was last sold to Maui Properties LLC for $ 890,000 in September 2019, according to property records.
The company in 2017, the company established a footprint in Ann Arbor with a center for product research and development. The new US $ 51 million headquarters project will receive a US $ 1 million grant from MEDC. Michigan Strategic Fund.
“WACKER’s expansion to Michigan means well-paying jobs for Michigan residents and underscores the strength of the state’s advanced manufacturing industry and talented workforce,” said Josh Hundt, vice -Executive chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in a statement. “This new innovation center and regional headquarters continues to build on Michigan’s R&D leadership and sends another strong signal that Michigan’s economic recovery is well underway. We are delighted that Michigan has been chosen over competing sites in other states for this new headquarters, and we look forward to working with WACKER as they continue to grow and add jobs to Michigan. “
MEDC is focused on attracting and retaining companies that advance manufacturing, engineering, design and development, according to a press release.
“Ann Arbor SPARK has worked with WACKER for over four years, helping the company locate its R&D center here, where it has access to the technical talent it needs to move its business forward,” said Paul Krutko, President- CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, in a report. “WACKER has remained steadfast in its desire to stay in this region, despite attractive offers from other states vying for the relocation of the company. Everywhere it is gratifying to see this project move forward and for WACKER to inaugurate a permanent home in Pittsfield Township. Ann Arbor SPARK will continue to support WACKER’s future growth, especially as she strives to hire workers at this new location.
Wacker Chemical is a German company that manufactures products for various industries around the world, ranging from silicone and polymer products, according to their website.
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