2010 Business Performance: Positive Growth Trends

One of the main factors that contributed to this positive revenue growth was the company’s extensive reorganization and refocusing of its product range on its core business area. In addition, the company also benefited from the global economic recovery.

H.C. Starck was able to gain significant shares in the tungsten and tantalum markets. The tungsten and molybdenum business of the company profited from the overall economic recovery in the Cutting Tools and Oil & Gas segments. Its tantalum business benefited from the general economic situation in the electronics industry. This also resulted in a strong performance in the Tantalum Sputtering Targets segment of the company’s Fabricated Products business unit. The Ceramics business unit significantly increased its earnings in the Ceramic Powder segment, as well as in Dental Technology and Foundry Products.

In the first quarter of 2011, business continued excellently thanks to the ongoing economic recovery and the resulting increase in market demands. In the first three months of 2011, H.C. Starck once again exceeded expectations in several business units. At the same time, the company completed one of its most important strategic tasks: thanks to longer term supply agreements with established mines and the EICC certification of the company’s tantalum procurement process, H.C. Starck has successfully secured its strategic supply of raw materials.

Thanks to the company’s outstanding growth in the previous year and the sustained economic recovery, H.C. Starck is optimistic for the 2011 fiscal year. The company has a strong international presence, a high standard product portfolio, and an ambitious growth strategy. As a result, H.C. Starck is in an excellent position to achieve profitable growth in 2011.

Employees

* Full Time Equivalents (excl. overtime and contract work)