ANN ARBOR – A German chemical company is building its $51 million North American headquarters south of Ann Arbor, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. reported.

Wacker Chemical Corp.’s North American Innovation Center and Regional Headquarters in Pittsfield Charter Township will house its research and development operations and create 70 high-skilled jobs during the next five years. A timeline for construction was not disclosed.

The headquarters will allow for enhanced employee collaboration and support the company’s long-term growth plans in Michigan. The building capacity of more than 300 employees will include those who will relocate from Wacker’s current regional headquarters in Adrian.

Wacker will continue production of elastomers, silicone fluids, and silicone emulsions at its existing Adrian operations, with about two-thirds of the current employees remaining there.

This is Wacker’s second expansion in Michigan in recent years. In 2017, the company established a silicones research and development center in Ann Arbor.

The new project will receive a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen for the headquarters over competing sites in Tennessee and Ohio. The project aligns with MEDC’s focus on attracting, retaining, and supporting business in advanced manufacturing and engineering, and design and development while fostering high-wage skills growth.

Wacker has on-the-job training with internal and external opportunities for advancement, is involved with schools and universities, and has an internship program.