Wacker Chemie AG, a leading supplier to the chemical, semi-conductor and solar industries, opened a new international training center for construction chemicals at its regional headquarters in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarouni, vice-chairman and CEO of DSOA, Auguste Willems, member of the executive board at Wacker Chemie AG, inaugurated the academy in the presence of senior officials from the two organizations.

The Wacker Academy training and competence center offers not only an ideal platform for advanced training, but also for sector-specific networking among customers, distribution partners and Wacker specialists, said a company statement.
 
Dr Mohammed Al Zarouni said: "It gives us great pleasure to welcome Wacker at Dubai Silicon Oasis. The German company’s commitment to working together with local businesses and expanding its knowledge capabilities have been well received by industry leaders in the region already."

"We are sure the new training center at Dubai Silicon Oasis will further drive its expansion prospects and serve as a stepping stone for new business opportunities," he noted.

“In line with Dubai Silicon Oasis’ pledge to drive knowledge economy in Dubai and the region, we are pleased that Wacker has set up its academy at the hub. This initiative further unifies its dedication to growth and collaboration with the business partners, and stands as a great model for other business to follow,” he added.

Wacker Chemicals Middle East operations in Dubai are aimed at addressing customer requirements from the near and Middle East as well as Africa, ranging from Pakistan to the Arabian Peninsula and South Africa.

Wacker Chemicals Middle East is simultaneously celebrating the 10th anniversary of the group’s operations in Dubai, said Auguste Willems.

“Since Wacker was founded  in Germany almost 100 years ago, we have successfully expanded our operations into the global markets. Today, with 100 subsidiaries and almost 16,000 employees, Wacker is a global leader in the chemicals industry where the company’s products and solutions cater to customers from virtually all industrial sectors," he added.

"Last fiscal year, group sales reached around Dh18.4 billion (3.7 billion euros), 80 per cent of which was generated outside Germany. Our expertise lies in technological leadership in top quality chemical raw materials, particularly for the construction sector," Willems said.

“The opening of the Wacker Academy at our technical center in Dubai marks a major milestone for further expansion and ongoing success as a strong and reliable partner in the Middle East. The academy is an ideal forum for innovation, and bound to be the pioneer of tomorrow’s product developments.”

The technical center will be used for development and testing lab for construction-chemistry applications. As the regional hub, it will aim to optimize technical support and offer individual assistance to local businesses.
Additionally, it will drive the rapidly growing demand for highly specialized construction polymer binders and silicone products for modern construction applications in the Middle East and other regions.

Dr Stefano Iannacone, managing director of Wacker Chemicals Middle East, said: “Wacker Dubai is ideally positioned, thanks to its high product quality, excellent service and committed team of experts. The new Wacker Academy here in Dubai will set new standards in service, advice and transfer of expertise, offering our customers and business partners considerable added value.”

"The training center will focus on construction-chemicals and promote transfer of expertise to local customers and business partners, thereby helping to further tap into the region’s fast-growing market for modern construction chemicals."

"At the same time, it will serve as an ideal platform for sector-specific networking between customers, distribution partners and Wacker specialists," he added.-TradeArabia News Service