June 28, 2008 -- Bluestar silicones has announced price increases of 7%-15% for its products from 1st April 2008 onwards (Source: Chemical Week, May 5 2008).

Dow Corning Corporation, who is celebrating their 10th year anniversary in the silicone industry, and has an on-going JV with Wacker producing specialized silicone materials in Asia also strongly believes that the silicone market is doing well and that China market has been, and will remain their growth engine, thus strengthening their position in China's silicone market. (Source: www.azom.com, June 4th 2008).

Another player expanding is Wacker Silicones, who has further increased its locations at Saxony and Zhangjiagang, responding to huge demand for silicone. (Source: www.wacker.com)

The future looks bright for the silicone industry as majors posted record sales and earnings in their fiscal reports this year. Plans to expand were also announced to meet demand that has increased tremendously, especially in Asia. Though raw material costs continue to increase to new highs, industry players cannot sit on their laurels and cut back on their spending. Instead, they need to continue to spend top dollars on innovation to meet customers' ever changing needs. This is not only a key to long term survival but necessary to stay on top in the business.

Other than devising a roadmap for more efficient cost management, silicone industry players also need to continuously innovate to gain a bigger market share.

In view of the present market challenges, CMT, and China Chemical News (CCN), will be co-organising a 2nd Global Silicone Business Outlook conference in Shanghai where key players will share their views on future market directions, demand-supply economics impacting raw materials, end users' views on developments in industries ranging from Automotive, Textile to Personal Care.

Also to be discussed in the meeting are overview of the fastest growing markets namely China, India & South Korea, and insights on advancements in silicone innovation, the potential for silicone usage, opportunities and trends in India as well as the latest challenges in South Korea's silicone industry.

For more information on the event, please visit www.cmtevents.com to view the full program agenda.

About Centre for Management Technology
A global organizer HQ in Singapore, CMT is dedicated to the provision of latest business and technology information through high profile conferences for varied industries. CMT forums encircle the globe from Asia Pacific to Middle East to New Europe/Russia and the Americas. In 25 years of operation, CMT has hosted leading conferences on Plastics, Elastomers, Rubber & Tire, Sugar, Steel, Coal, Cement and Aluminium. Visit www.cmtevents.com for further information about us and our events.