Metalor - News

Mid-Year report - first half 2008

corporate@metalor.com — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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Metalor welcomes a new Board Member

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Metalor is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Urs Buchmann as a new Board Member. This appointment increases the size of Metalor's Board of Directors to 6.

U. Buchmann, a Swiss citizen, was educated in Belgium and Switzerland. He received a Ph.D. in International Public Law from the University of Bern. In 1984, Dr. Buchmann joined the editorial staff of the Economics Section of one of Switzerland's leading business papers.

In 1985, he embarked on a banking career with a major international bank, heading the bank's representative offices in the PRC. Dr. Buchmann, a Managing Director, then served as the Country Head for the bank's China organization since the beginning of 1996. In 2006 Dr. Buchmann has been appointed as Head China Corporate Banking in order to respond to the rapidly growing banking needs of international and domestic corporate clients.

From 2000 to 2002, Dr. Buchmann also served as the President of the Beijing Chapter of the Sino-Swiss Chamber of Commerce. He is moreover Chairman of the first ever Sino-Foreign private equity fund in China. Besides Dr. Buchmann serves on various corporate boards in industry and finance in Asia.

In his capacity as Head China Corporate Banking is regularily involved in advising Swiss and European companies seeking a stronger presence in China's rapidly growing industrial and services markets. At the same time, Dr. Buchmann is also increasingly active in advising Chinese companies wishing to enter the international and notably the European markets.

Fully conversant in Mandarin Chinese and having worked in China for over 20 years Dr. Buchmann's knowledge of the Chinese economy and his perspectives on the Asian markets will be invaluable for Metalor as we continue to expand in Asia.

Metalor Technologies International SA
20 March 2008

Mid-Year report - first half 2007

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

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New Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board appointed

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 5 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Metalor is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard L. Robinson as the new Chairman of its Board and of Robert Lombardini as Vice Chairman.

Richard Robinson, a Director of the Company since 2004 and Vice Chairman of the Board succeeds Martin Bisang. Metalor would like to convey its appreciation to Martin Bisang. His leadership, talent and expertise have been a great asset to the Company in his time as Chairman and we are pleased to have his continued involvement as a Director of the Company.

Richard Robinson, a British and South African citizen, graduated from
Queen's University (Canada) with a Masters in Mineral Economics and the University of Natal(South Africa) with an Honours degree in Computer Science. He has been extensively involved in the international gold, platinum, base metal and coal industries through the various executive and board positions he has held over the past 30 years. In addition to Metalor, Richard Robinson is an independent non-executive Director of Metaleurop SA and Serabi Mining Plc. He was previously Managing Director of Normandy LaSource SAS (a French-Australian JV active in precious metal mining and exploration) and CEO of Gold Fields Limited (South Africa).

Robert Lombardini, a Swiss citizen, graduated as electrical engineer (EPFZ). Robert Lombardini is the Chairman of the Board of Axpo Holding AG and Kistler Holding AG, the Vice Chairman of SIG Holding AG and has served in several top executive roles including positions at Datwyler Holding AG and Motor Colombus.

Metalor acquires the refining business of Johnson Matthey Hong Kong

corporate@metalor.com — Tue, 3 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Johnson Matthey has agreed to sell the gold and silver business of Johnson Matthey Hong Kong Limited to Metalor Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited, which is part of the Metalor Group. In accordance with the sale agreement Metalor will buy the assets of Johnson Matthey Hong Kong's Kwai Chung operations and its gold and silver related businesses. These include gold refining, gold and silver bullion bars and grains, gold and silver salts and gold and silver jewellery materials.

The sale is expected to be completed within one month. All 41 Johnson Matthey employees affected will be offered jobs with Metalor.

This transaction perfectly complements Metalor's service and product offering and is a key step in the company's strategy to further strengthen its presence in Asia.

Annual report 2006 available

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Metalor Technologies SA Annual Report for the year 2006 is now available on http://www.metalor.com/en/annualreport.asp.
To order a hard copy of the Report please contact us.

Mid-Year Report - June 2006

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

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Press release - 6th April 2006

corporate@metalor.com — Fri, 7 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Annual results 2005 of Metalor Technologies International SA

Metalor closed the year 2005 with a good result. The consolidated net sales of the Metalor Group (without the value of the precious metal) amounted to CHF 247.9 Mio., 8% lower than in the previous year. Excluding the net sales for 2005 of the spun-off Dental Division, the comparable growth in sales amounted to 4%. The operating result (EBIT) increased from CHF 17.3 Mio. to CHF 21.4 Mio. in 2005, an increase of 24%. Operating costs were reduced by 25% to CHF 77 Mio. The highest impact on this reduction resulted from the spin-off of the Dental Division. The net income of CHF 40.8 Mio. includes a non-operating gain of CHF 32.1 Mio. which was mainly generated by the final sale of financial assets but was also influenced by one-off costs of CHF 5.1 Mio. for impair-ments of unused buildings. As foreseen since the take-over of the majority of the company by private investors, UBS AG sold its shares to the company and is no longer a shareholder. UBS AG remains an important business partner of Metalor. Metalor employed at the end of 2005 worldwide 1'151 people.

The Refining Division performed well in Switzerland, while the US operation was restructured and suffered a loss. The reduced cost basis will allow us to achieve a positive result in 2006. Overall, sales volumes were 3% lower than the previous year and with a lower profit, due to losses in the United States.

The Advanced Coatings Division performed below expectations in terms of sales, but improved its profitability. The slowdown in the European plating industry was the main reason for a weak first half of the year. Reduced operating costs and good sales towards the end of 2005 contributed to an 8% EBIT margin for the year. The restructuring of our French activities are finalized, and all remaining costs are provisioned.

The Watches and Jewelry Division increased its sales volume by 12%. The profitability was negatively influenced by increased precious-metals leasing costs which could not be fully passed on, and did not reach expectations.

The Electrotechnics Division continued its strong growth in sales and profitability. Turnover increased by 15% and the EBIT by 21%. Preparations for a market entry in China were made during the year. The operation will start in the second quarter 2006.

The Dental Division was operationally spun-off as per January 1^st, 2005. The legal transaction took place in November. The equity of the group was reduced by CHF 18.9 Mio. through this transaction.

In 2005 a dividend of CHF 500 per share (CHF 5.3 Mio. in total) was paid to the shareholders. Shareholder equity at year-end 2005 amounted to CHF 337 Mio. or 69% of the total balance sheet value. The Group has a net cash position of CHF 52.5 Mio. as at 31.12.2005.

For the actual year we expect a continued stable development of our business.

Further information and our annual report in English and French language are available on our internet site www.metalor.com.

For any questions please contact : Telephone +41 (0)32 720 63 70

Fredy Hiltmann mobile +41 (0)79 405 82 62

Chief Financial Officer fredy.hiltmann@metalor.com

Metalor in brief: Metalor supplies precious metals and advanced materials to partners in industries as varied and demanding as electronics and electrical engineering, medical and dental technology and the manufacture of de luxe watches. The know-how which Metalor has developed over the years, the exceptional quality of its products and its ability to anticipate market trends and requirements have earned the company a reputation for excellence all over the world.

Annual report 2005 available

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The Metalor Technologies SA Annual Report for the year 2005 is now available on http://www.metalor.com/en/annualreport.asp.
To order a hard copy of the Report please contact us.

Supplier of the year 2005 award

corporate@metalor.com — Tue, 7 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

METALOR has won the 'Supplier of the year 2005 award' from our biggest customer : ABB Control. We have received our diploma during the supplier convention in February 2006. ABB has particularly appreciated our reliable service (above 95% throughout the year).

Our customer also appreciates our technical support and above all our ability to innovate in material technology. Among others, we have worked together on the substitution of cadmium by silver tin oxide for their whole product range.

Quantit� minimale par ligne de commande

corporate@metalor.com — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Par la pr�sente, nous vous informons que d�s le 1^er avril 2006 nous ne traiterons plus de lignes de commandes inf�rieures � 500 CHF. L'entreprise Gyr M�taux Pr�cieux se tient � votre enti�re disposition pour ce type de commande avec sa gamme standard de 3'400 articles, incluant les nouveaux de Metalor.

www.gyr.ch

L�gislation sur le cadmium

corporate@metalor.com — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

La nouvelle Directive Europ�enne sur le cadmium entrant en vigueur le 01.07.2006, appliqu�e en Suisse et ayant pour but de r�duire les d�chets des m�taux lourds, restreint son utilisation. Ceci signifie que l'utilisation d'un produit contenant du cadmium est dor�navant interdite, si un substitut sans cadmium existe. En r�ponse � cette l�gislation, Metalor a d�velopp� une nouvelle gamme de produits sans cadmium. Ces derniers peuvent �tre command�s en petites quantit�s directement
aupr�s de Gyr M�taux Pr�cieux ou, pour des besoins industriels � Metalor Technologies SA.
Nous tenons cependant � vous pr�ciser que toute brasure pr�sent�e comme �quivalente aux brasures Metalor sur le march�, mais non produite par nous, ne poss�de aucune garantie d'absence de cadmium. Nous d�clinons toute responsabilit� en cas de probl�me survenant lors d'un m�lange avec des produits Metalor. Nous vous rendons attentifs que la teneur en m�taux pr�cieux dans les brasures est soumise aux m�mes exigences que les alliages en ce qui concerne le titre.

www.gyr.ch

Gyr M�taux Pr�cieux SA distribue les produits Metalor

corporate@metalor.com — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Nous avons le plaisir de vous annoncer que depuis le 1^er avril 2006, vous pourrez commander directement chez Gyr M�taux Pr�cieux les alliages Metalor en or jaune, GG 152 S et or gris WG 548. Les produits en stock chez Gyr M�taux Pr�cieux sont les plaques 3.0, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.8 + 0.6 mm, fils 3.0, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0 et fil lamin� 6.0 mm. Vous pouvez �galement commander 8 brasures en or en petites quantit�s.

www.gyr.ch

Puret� d'esprit - Pallabij 262 - un classique Metalor � la mode

corporate@metalor.com — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

En r�ponse � une forte demande d'alliages Palladium, Metalor vous propose son classique Pallabij Pd 960/262 cr�� il y a plus de 40 ans. Cet alliage de palladium que nous d�signons par Pallabij 262 est un alliage 100% en m�taux pr�cieux et donc d'une puret� absolue. Cet alliage a �t� conçu pour une utilisation dans la fabrication de bo�tes de montres et en bijouterie. En effet, son prix avantageux, de m�me que sa faible densit�, permettent des r�alisations moins co�teuses que celles en platine et en or gris. Cet alliage se travaille manuellement sans difficult�.

Metalor supports nanotechnology education in Neuchatel

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 8 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Metalor Technologies SA has decided to offer a CHF 10'000 grant to the University of Neuchatel to support a student of their new 'Micro- and Nanotechnology' master. This grant will allow participation of its recipient to the cutting edge education provided in this field by the Microtechnique and Chemistry Institutes. This action also aims at supporting the research in such a fast growing sector as well as triggering the development of new industrial applications of nanotechnology using precious metals.

Up to now, Metalor Technologies SA has been collaborating with the University of Neuchatel and the Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne in developing several advanced products based on nanotechnology and aimed at the electronics and bio-medical markets. These products will enhance the span of Metalor Technologies SA in these high added value markets.

Nanotechnology encompasses the techniques that permit to manipulate matter and create structures having dimensions in the order of the nanometer, i.e. a few millionths of a millimeter. At this scale, new materials properties appear and can be leveraged into innovating products. For example, gold powdered into nanometric particles loses its characteristic color and becomes purple, thus allowing its use as a labeling agent for e.g. pregnancy tests. According to a study by Business Communications Company Inc., the market for nanoscale materials currently grows by more than 30% per year.

The Metalor Group, a key global player in the field of precious metals, with headquarters in Neuchatel (Switzerland), is a privately owned company active on a worldwide basis in the refining and production of precious metal products. It is structured in 4 divisions serving the markets of electrotechnics, advanced coatings, watches & jewelry and refining. In 2004, Metalor had net sales of CHF 270 Mio and employed close to 1'300 employees worldwide.

Mid year report - first half 2005

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

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Metalor and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 2 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Metalor and the Democratic Republic of the Congo - 02 June 2005

On January 25, 2005, a report established by the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was addressed to the UN Security Council.

The report on the embargo imposed on sale of arms to armed groups and militias operating in the provinces of North or South Kivu and the Ituri District, highlights a number of facts, the most relevant to us being that gold exported out of Uganda actually originates from the DRC and that embargoed armed groups exercise a form of monopolistic control over key export trades among which gold export. The report further states that gold originating from the DRC has been supplied via Uganda to refiners such as Metalor.

As a global player in the precious metals trade, Metalor fully supports the recommendations of the UN Group of Experts that gold export trade should be more strictly regulated to ensure that embargoed armed groups do not benefit from the proceeds and that a review of the gold trade should be carried out to determine the origin of the gold and the measures that are required to prevent the illicit export of gold from the DRC.

Although Metalor does not deal with any supplier established in the DRC, we do receive gold for refining from government approved Ugandan based suppliers. That is why we have undertaken a special effort to understand the local situation and decided on May 20, 2005 to suspend gold imports from Uganda because of controversy over the origin of the supplies following investigations by UN experts and Human Rights Watch into the gold trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While we are confident with our due diligence procedure, we will not accept any deliveries from Uganda until such time as we have clarity on the country's position and statistics on gold production and export.

In addition, we believe we have contributed to shading some light on the gold trade with Switzerland by meeting with the HRW representative and being open about our activities.

On June 2, 2005, Human Rights Watch (HRW) published a report on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo entitled 'The Curse of Gold'. While Metalor appreciates and supports the research and investigation work carried out by HRW and their efforts to unveil and denounce human rights watch abuses, we would like to clarify certain issues addressed in the report on the basis of the information we have collected during our own investigations.

1 - The HRW report infers that 'Most of the gold exported from Uganda comes from the Congo' (p.107) since 'Uganda's domestic gold production is negligible' (pp 107 & 115). The HRW report further states that the gold traded by Machanga - Metalor's supplier - came from Congo.

This is contrary to Machanga's statement to Metalor and to the confirmation received from the Ugandan Department of Geological Survey and Mines. Indeed, the latter confirmed that Machanga obtains most of its gold from artisan miners and other local licenced dealers of gold. The Mines Commissioner also indicates that Uganda has over twenty thousand (20,000) artisanal miners and about fifty (50) local dealers.

Furthermore, a report by the Uganda Investment Authority on the mining sector clearly establishes that 'gold is widely distributed in Uganda' and that 'most gold production has been by small producers' but that 'production statistics...is only indicative given the fact that most operators are not licensed and even the licensed ones tend to under-declare'.

An article published by the US Geological Survey Minerals Yearbook 1999 also explains that 'Gold in Uganda is mostly found in small, high-grade alluvial deposits distributed throughout the country: Exploitation of the mineral in 1999 was still done by artisanal miners, particularly in the southwest'.

We can therefore only deplore the fact that the report does not make any reference nor acknowledges the existence and the role played by these artisan miners. According to the information provided to us by our supplier, the production of these artisan miners accounts for approximately 3 tons of gold per year - which would represent 60% of the Ugandan domestic production and not 1% as indicated in the report.

2 - The report indicates that Machanga 'confirmed that one of their customers was Mr Omar Oria (p. 109) 'one of the main gold traders in Ariwara' (p. 104) - we understand from Machanga that they only purchase gold from their own network which comprises some 40 Ugandan based agents and that they have no supplier in Congo.

3 - According to the report, 'Trading companies in Kampala do not operate illegally but rather benefit from the loose regulation of the gold trade' (p.109). If such is the case, all political and commercial players must support efforts by the governments concerned to improve the situation.

Metalor reiterates that it does not engage in business that arises from or is used to finance illegal activities. We believe that through our purchases of gold from Uganda, we have indirectly contributed to the income of the artisanal and small-scale miners and not to the 'the revenue stream that supports armed groups in Ituri who carry out widespread human rights abuses' (p.117).

It has always been and is Metalor's policy to maintain high ethical standards, to comply with all applicable laws, and do business only with persons who themselves abide by laws and ethical principles.

Metalor Technologies SA

Metalor suspends gold imports from Uganda

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 23 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Metalor Technologies SA has decided to suspend gold imports from Uganda because of controversy over the origin of the supplies following investigations by UN experts and Human Rights Watch into the gold trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While we are confident with our due diligence procedure, we will not accept any deliveries from Uganda until such time as we have clarity on the country's position and statistics on gold production and export.

Annual report 2004 available

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT

The Metalor Technologies SA Annual Report for the year 2004 is now available on http://www.metalor.com/en/annualreport.asp.
To order a hard copy of the Report please contact us.

Metalor golden papys

corporate@metalor.com — Wed, 9 Feb 2005 00:00:00 GMT

In its edition of February 9, the swiss economic magazine Bilan dedicated a whole article to Metalor and more particularly to their new investors.

Please click here to read the article "Metalor golden papys" in french (Macromedia Flash format)

Please click here to read the article "Metalor golden papys" in french (PDF format)

Please click here to read the article "Metalor golden papys" in german

Prix d'Excellence en Ressources Humaines

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Neuch�tel, le 24 septembre 2004 Metalor Technologies SA a remport� la premi�re �dition du Prix d'Excellence en Ressources Humaines organis� par le CRQP (centre pour la formation et le perfectionnement des cadres et collaborateurs de la fonction personnel en Suisse romande). Les crit�res d'�valuation �taient bas�s sur l'originalit� du concept par rapport aux pratiques connues (best practice), le degr� d'implication de la Direction, la valeur ajout�e � l'entreprise ainsi que l'application du concept � d'autres entreprises. La remise officielle du prix a eu lieu le 22 septembre dernier lors du Congr�s national des Ressources Humaines organis� � Berne par HR Swiss. Le Groupe Metalor, dont le si�ge social se trouve � Neuch�tel, est actif dans le domaine des m�taux pr�cieux et des mat�riaux avanc�s. Pr�sent sur trois continents, il emploie plus de 1300 personnes et est le fournisseur de diverses industries � la pointe de la technologie �lectronique, dentaire et horlog�re. Renseignements : Roland Held, Head of Human Resources du Groupe Metalor, t�l. : 032 720 64 68

Mid year report - first half 2004

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 12 Aug 2004 00:00:00 GMT

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Metalor Technologies SA to invest in pharma

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 12 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Metalor Technologies SA to invest in a new Carboplatin production line NEUCHATEL, July 5, 2004. Metalor Technologies SA announces approval by its board of directors, for a new investment in a Carboplatin production line. Through this new business development Metalor Technologies SA extends its core competency in precious metal chemistry to the pharmaceutical area. The production line will be installed in a dedicated area of the Neuch�tel plant. Thanks to this new product line we will be able to support and respond to several requests of generic pharmaceuticals companies willing to develop their activities in the oncology segment. The production of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient with EP and USP grade will be conducted under strict cGMP compliance and the product will also be made available in sterile form. We expect to be fully operational by quarter 4, 2005. A venture division will be created with the name of 'Metalor Pharma' and will focus its activity on the development of all application of precious metals in the healthcare industry. A team of highly qualified pharmaceutical experts has been put in place with the challenge to make this activity become live. Metalor Technologies SA, a key global player in the fields of precious metals, with headquarters in Neuch�tel, Switzerland is a privately owned company active on a worldwide basis in the production and sales of pure precious metals, dental health, electrotechnics, advanced coating, watch and jewellery. Metalor Technologies SA has a net income of CHF 270 Mio and employs more than 1'300 employees worldwide.

Annual report 2003 available

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 8 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT

The Metalor Technologies SA Annual Report for the year 2003 is now available on http://www.metalor.com/e/corporate/annualreport.asp To order a hard copy of the Report please contact us.

Metalor Technologies SA New Organization

corporate@metalor.com — Fri, 14 May 2004 00:00:00 GMT

At its recent Corporate Management Meeting held in Hong Kong on May 2-4, 2004, the Metalor Management team announced some important decisions: Firstly, Metalor will change the identity of three of its five divisions. As a result, effective June 1st, 2004, the � Chemicals Division becomes Advanced Coatings Division (AC) � Watch Division becomes Watches and Jewelry Division (WAJ) � Contacts Division becomes Electrotechnics Division (ET) In addition, a new function 'Innovation' will be active as of August 1st, 2004 and the function 'Technology Services' will include Corporate R&D, Quality Assurance and the Laboratories. Finally, Mr Scott Morrison becomes Head of Operating Refining Division ad interim; he will continue his function as CEO. Mr Martin Bless becomes Head of Operating Watches and Jewelry Division. The Production and Logistics Department of the Dental Division will report to Mr Martin Bless.

New Chairman of the Board

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 19 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Our Chairman, Dr. Ernst Thomke, has stepped down from the Board of Directors effective of the annual meeting held on April 19, 2004. During this meeting, the Board of Directors appointed Mr Martin Bisang as the new Chairman of the Board. Mr Bisang was one of the four private investors who acquired the majority of Metalor shares in 1998 from UBS. In addition, for the last twelve years, he has built up the Bellevue Group, a small highly specialized bank based in Zurich, concentrating on brokerage for Swiss equities. Mr Bisang studied Economics in Basel and has an MBA from Harvard Business School.

W. C. Heraeus acquires Metalor Medical Division

corporate@metalor.com — Fri, 20 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Neuch�tel, Switzerland, June 20, 2003. Metalor Technologies International S.A. and W. C. Heraeus GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of the globally active precious metals and technology group Heraeus Holding GmbH, announced today that W. C. Heraeus will acquire the Medical Division of Metalor Technologies International S.A., based in Cossonay, Switzerland. By July 1st, 2003, the division will be integrated into the newly created Medical Components Division of W. C. Heraeus. With the acquisition and the new positioning of medical technology within W. C. Heraeus, the company continues to expand the development of its product portfolio towards technologically sophisticated materials and components with high value added in markets growing at an above average rate. Parallel to this acquisition, W. C. Heraeus has set up a new company in Cossonay, Switzerland, Heraeus Materials SA, which will take over all operating assets and the 70 employees of Metalor Medical Division. With this acquisition, the Medical Components Division of W. C. Heraeus will employ 225 people at facilities in Hanau, Germany, Chandler, USA, and Cossonay, Switzerland. The Metalor Medical Division of Metalor Technologies develops and produces components based on wires and fine tubes from special stainless steels, unique alloys and precious metals, such as gold and platinum. Its product range includes electrodes and conducting wires for pacemakers, guide wires for surgical cardiology, endoscopes housings, radio-opaque marking elements, and materials used in stent delivery systems. Its products are important components of medical devices and implants used principally in cardiology, neurology, and endoscopy. The Medical Components Division of W. C. Heraeus develops, produces and distributes a wide range of primarily implantable, metal-based products for the medical industry such as electrodes, cases for cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, micro precision parts and various semi-finished products. "We are enthusiastic about the acquisition", said Dr. J�rgen Wachter, who, together with Dr. Nicolas Guggenheim, presently head of the Metalor Medical Division, will head the Medical Components Division of W. C. Heraeus. "Both divisions are complementary in their product range, which will allow us to now offer an extensive package of products and services to the medical industry. Customers will have access to a whole range of technologies and integrated products from one single global supplier. We also see great potential for synergies in development, logistics and marketing. In addition, through this acquisition, Heraeus Materials S.A. will obtain new market opportunities in the U.S. market for the Swiss unit.' Metalor Technologies International SA, headquartered in Neuch�tel, Switzerland, is active in the precious metals and advanced materials business, serving several industries such as electronic and electrotechnique, dental health and the Watch and Jewelry with products and services. Metalor is represented with its subsidiaries in 15 countries over 3 continents and employs about 1400 employees. In Switzerland, Metalor Technologies SA employs about 470 persons on the sites of Neuch�tel, Marin and La Chaux-de-Fonds. With more than 2,700 employees worldwide, Hanau-based W. C. Heraeus GmbH & Co. KG processes precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum as well as other specialty materials primarily into industrial products. The companies in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa include production facilities for all levels of precious metals production and processing. Moreover, W. C. Heraeus has several decades of experience in industrial precious metals trading and commands a leading position in this market. Heraeus, the precious metals and technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a global, private company in the business of precious metals, dental health, sensors, quartz glass and specialty lighting sources. With revenues of € 6.4 billion and 9,000 employees worldwide in over 100 subsidiaries and associated companies, Heraeus has stood out for more than 150 years as one of the leading companies involved in precious metals and materials technology.

Annual Report 2001 available

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 29 Jul 2002 00:00:00 GMT

The Metalor Technologies Annual Report for the year 2001 is now available on www.metalor.com To order a hard copy of the Report please contact us

Metalor member of the LBMA

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 13 May 2002 00:00:00 GMT

The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) confirms that Metalor Technologies SA of Neuch�tel Switzerland was accepted as an Associate on 1 January 2002

Metalor acquires the DAT business of Engelhard-Clal

corporate@metalor.com — Wed, 1 May 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Effective May 1, 2002 Metalor Technologies International SA has acquired the DAT business of Engelhard-Clal SAS on a worldwide basis.

The Refining sales office in Noisy-le-Sec will be integrated into Metalor's worldwide Refining Division and all other activities of the DAT Division will be combined with the Metalor Chemicals Division. At the same time, Metalor's Advanced Materials Division will be integrated into the Chemicals Division on a worldwide basis

Mr Kaspar Schattmeier will be responsible for the combined Refining activities, and Mr Charles Dunning will be responsible for the combined Chemicals activities.

Metalor Contacts : breakthrough in the fuse market

corporate@metalor.com — Wed, 23 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Metalor Contacts has shortly developed multi-track strips, an innovating concept that will deeply renew the fuse market!

Jewelry: New distribution agreement in the Swiss market

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 22 Nov 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Metalor Technologies SA has decided to set up a more flexible and efficient structure in order to meet and react more specifically and quickly to the expectations of the Swiss jewellers.

Metalor has signed a distribution agreement with Ateliers Outilor SA.

Ateliers Outilor, who has taken over many years ago the programme of jewellery findings of Metalor, has signed a new distribution agreement with Metalor and will take over by November 1st 2001 the distribution and supply of all goods formerly delivered by Metalor Technologies SA to the Swiss jewellers. Ateliers Outilor will exclusively be sourced by Metalor in precious metal alloys. This maintains and guarantees to the clientele a continued supply of the high quality precious metal alloys from Metalor Technologies.

The administrative handling of the scraps will be done as off the begining of November 2001 through Ateliers Outilor. The recovery will still be assumed by Metalor maintaining the reliable services which has been appreciated so far.

Which is tomorrows' white gold alloy ?

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 20 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT

During the 'Societe Suisse de Chronometrie meeting' that took place in Neuch�tel on

17th September, Metalor Technologies S.A. presented a paper entitled :

Which is tomorrows' white gold alloy ?

White gold alloys have taken, in recent years, more than 50% of the watch and jewellery market.

New Swiss and European laws covering the release of nickel by these alloys, leading to possible allergic reaction, have steered the market for precious metals towards an increase in the use of palladium.

Unfortunately, this metal also saw an increase in demand coming from the car catalyst sector. The palladium price increased tenfold in the space of five years, culminating at more than CHF 60'000.- /kg at the end of January 2001.

After the replacement of nickel by palladium, can one hope for a more economic material than the latter ?

The study of this subject has led to the introduction to our range of a white alloy, without palladium, nickel or silver : Au 750/3113.

The alloy is available in the following forms : Sheet, tube, wires, blanks and stampings.

It is not recommended for lost wax casting and should be rhodium plated.

This alloy can be hardened by heat-treatment, enabling more complex shapes to be formed mechanically like for example deployment clasps.

Metalor Annual Report 2000 is available

corporate@metalor.com — Tue, 24 Jul 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Click here to download the Metalor Annual Report 2000 (2Mb)

M�taux Pr�cieux becomes Metalor Technologies

corporate@metalor.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2001 00:00:00 GMT

As from April 23, 2001 Metalor Technologies SA is taking over the operating activities of the M�taux Pr�cieux SA Metalor company. This change of structure is part of the development in international activities of the METALOR Group. The company, which is based in Neuch�tel, Switzerland, currently employs around 650 persons in Switzerland and nearly 1500 worldwide.

Metalor Technologies SA, the name of the new operating company of the METALOR Group in Switzerland, more accurately reflects the activities of the group and its positioning on interna-tional markets. This new positioning is accompanied by changes to the internal structure, under which there are three active companies in Switzerland. First, Metalor Technologies SA is ta-king over the operating activities of the former M�taux Pr�cieux SA Metalor company. Next, the latter is changing its name too to Metalor Technologies International SA and will become the Metalor Group holding company. Finally, Metalor Finance SA is the company which will be financing all the group's legal entities.

Starting with refining precious metals and production of bank ingots, METALOR has developed its activities over the past decades to offer products made of precious metals and other advanced materials for industries as diverse and as demanding as the medical and dental industries, the electronics and electro-technical industries and the prestige watch-making industries. In addi-tion, the name Metalor Technologies, which is now part of the corporate name of every compa-ny in the group, also responds to its international orientation.

This change is of a purely internal nature, and does not in any way modify the contractual ar-rangements binding METALOR to its employees, customers, suppliers or other partners.

The METALOR Group, whose headquarters are located in Neuch�tel, remains at the cutting edge of technology in the field of precious metals and advanced materials. Through its subsidiaries, it is present in 15 countries on 3 continents and employs nearly 1500 people. An important em-ployer in the canton of Neuch�tel, METALOR has about 650 people on its payroll in Switzerland, mainly based at the production sites in Neuch�tel, Marin, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Cossonay-Gare (VD). Net turnover (exclusive of value of precious metals) amounts to approximately 300 Million Swiss Francs.

New Targets Department at METALOR

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 22 Mar 2001 00:00:00 GMT

METALOR announces the creation of a new Targets Department. As an independent unit, the new department will better be able to serve the worldwide growing precious metals targets market.

Electrical contacts activities of Chemet Corp. renamed

corporate@metalor.com — Thu, 2 Nov 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Since 1997 Chemet Corporation had been a wholly owned subsidiary of Metaux Precieux SA Metalor. Recently Metalor has reorganized as Metalor Technologies, a matrix organization with operating entities throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. The new identity signals the full integration of Chemet into the Metalor group and reflects the Division's intention to pursue the sale of its contact assembly products in US market. Metalor Technologies USA Contact Division will continue to produce silver and silver alloy strip and wire products. Division headquarters are located in Courville, France with additional R&D and manufacturing facilities in Redwitz, Germany.

The Metalor Group, whose head office is in Neuch�tel (Switzerland), operates in metals and advanced materials industry and supplies various industries with sophisticated products.