Wacker Chemical plans to locate its more than $50 million, 140,000-square-foot, North American Innovation Center and Regional Headquarters in Pittsfield Charter Township, Michigan.

The building capacity of more than 300 employees will include those who will relocate from WACKER's current regional headquarters in Adrian, Michigan, as well as up to 70 new jobs to be added in the coming years. WACKER will continue its production of elastomers, silicone fluids and silicone emulsions at its existing Adrian operations.

Construction begins October 2020 and is expected to be completed in March 2022.

"We appreciate the partnership with the KIRCO and KIRCO MANIX team and are excited to take the next step forward with our Innovation Center & Regional Headquarters in Michigan," said Greg Brabec, director of advocacy and special projects for WACKER. "This first-class facility will support future growth in the state and allow WACKER to have an important anchor in one of the nation's leading R&D corridors surrounded by great community partners."

The new Innovation Center & Regional Headquarters, to be developed and built by KIRCO and KIRCO MANIX, will serve as a leading-edge location for advanced research and design activities, and enhanced employee collaboration.

"Despite these extraordinary times, WACKER remained committed to investing in its people and its future in Ann Arbor, Michigan and we are honored to be a part of it," said Quinn Kiriluk, executive vice president, Corporate Real Estate and chief marketing officer for KIRCO. "Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the team augmented seamlessly to the virtual world, advancing design development and successfully obtained both site plan approval and vital economic incentives."

WACKER is a technological leader in the chemical industry and manufactures products for all key global industries. It is active in the silicone, polymer, life sciences and polysilicon markets.