The company began construction on its $1.8 billion plant west of Charleston Aug. 8, 2010. Officials said given the size of the project, the safety record is a milestone the company has not seen until now.
“At Wacker, safety is a top priority. We expect ownership at all levels of the company to ensure everyone works safely,” said Dr. Konrad Bachhuber, vice president and site manager for Wacker Polysilicon North America. “This is a significant achievement, a remarkable milestone.”
The massive plant will occupy approximately 100 acres of a 550-acre site in North Bradley County adjoining the North Industrial Park. It comprises property obtained from Wright Brothers Construction and Olin Corp.
“This is a considerable accomplishment, and is certainly validation of the commitment made by both Wacker and Yates to provide a safe work environment,” said Dr. Martin Richtberg, vice president of engineering and head of the Wacker Polysilicon construction project. “The contractors have done a great job meeting the requirements of the program.”
Timothy Sloan, Wacker Polysilicon senior director of Environmental, Health, Safety, Security and Regulatory Affairs, cited a proactive site-specific safety program, a detailed orientation, pre-planned work activity structures, effective implementation overall by contractors and measured objectives as contributors to the milestone.
“This achievement emphasizes our company approach to working safely, and core approaches which start at the Wacker Chemie AG level, transcended throughout the Wacker organization globally,” Sloan said. “Working without injury over extended periods of time, with dynamic fluidity within the process, emphasizes the strength of people to take personal ownership and care about effective results.”
The plant is expected to provide about 650 employees with high-paying jobs after its completion in late 2013 and the beginning of full production.
