H.C. Starck Continues on Profitable Growth Track

MUNICH, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- H.C. Starck, one of the leading manufacturers of refractory metals and technical ceramics, achieved sustainable profitable growth in 2011. Worldwide, H.C. Starck's sales grew by 28% to 883.2 million Euros from 689.3 million Euros in 2010. Also, operating profit grew significantly compared to the year before.

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"2011 was an outstanding year for H.C. Starck. We have more than exceeded our strategic and operational goals in all business segments and have continued on the positive, profitable growth track from the previous year," explained Dr. Andreas Meier, Chairman of the H.C. Starck Executive Board.

For the 2012 financial year, the company expects good results – despite the current difficulty in assessing economic prospects and low demand in the electronics industry at the beginning of 2012. "We've had a good start into 2012; however, the international economic conditions are significantly more demanding than they were last year," said Meier. "Our goal is to prove the sustainability of our business success in 2012. We want to build on our market positions and use our technical expertise to develop new products and branch out into new markets. With our almost 100 years of experience in manufacturing technically sophisticated refractory metals, we can deliver crucial added value."

Meier continued, "We want to further develop our fast-growing, unique recycling activities. We are the global technology leader when it comes to recycling refractory metals. With a current rate of around 50%, recycling is a vital pillar in our materials sourcing." Furthermore, alongside expanding European capacity in 2012, H.C. Starck intends to strengthen its regional commitments, particularly in Asia, and will invest in the development of high-quality tungsten products in China.

The complete press release is available at http://www.hcstarck.com/en/home/press/press_releases.html

About H.C. Starck

H.C. Starck is a leading global supplier of refractory metals and technical ceramics, and serves growing industries such as the electronics, chemicals, automotive, medical technology, aerospace, energy technology, and environmental technology industries, as well as mechanical engineering and tool manufacturers. H.C. Starck has 12 manufacturing facilities located in Europe, America, and Asia, with 2,816 employees worldwide.

SOURCE H.C. Starck