Bluestar Silicones becomes Elkem Silicones

As part of Elkem's growth strategy we are assuming responsibility for Bluestar Xinghuo Silicones and Yongdeng Silicon Materials and integrating them into the Elkem group. The two plants have previously been owned directly by our owners, China National Bluestar. This move further develops Elkem's integrated silicone value chain, from upstream quartz mining to silicon, silicones and downstream silicones specialities. The Elkem group will now have 26 manufacturing sites and about 6200 employees.

• With this integration, Elkem can capitalize on the strengths of its industrial footprint, R&D competencies, and sales and marketing excellence so that Elkem Silicones can provide even more value to our customers and stakeholders. We are excited to grow the Elkem group and to develop the company further, says Helge Aasen, CEO of Elkem.

At the same time as Elkem assumes responsibility for the two new entities, Elkem's silicones division is changing its name from Bluestar Silicones to Elkem Silicones.

• Being part of Elkem gives a strong financial foundation for further growth, enabling Elkem Silicones to remain a competitive and agile provider of innovative silicone solutions.  Elkem Silicones will become an important player in the fast-growing silicones industry to enable our customers to deliver their potential, says Frederic Jacquin CEO of Elkem Silicones.

The new Elkem Silicones division will group together about 3000 employees for an annual turnover approaching 1 Billion Euros. The division will operate with a strong base comprising 2 upstream manufacturing sites, one located in Asia and one located in Europe, along with 8 downstream manufacturing sites and 10 R&D centres worldwide.

We are excited to be part of this growth story and to keep improving and developing our offering in the silicones industry further. Our new footprint will contribute to offer our customers better service, stronger growth capabilities and continued security of supply, says Jacquin.

Contact : Laurent Leservoisier, Communication Manager, + (33) 4 72 13 19 00 [email protected]

About the Elkem group:

Elkem is one of the world's leading producers of silicon-related advanced materials. The company is a fully integrated producer with operations throughout the silicon value chain from quartz, silicon and downstream silicone specialities as well as speciality ferrosilicon alloys and carbon materials. Headquartered in Norway, Elkem has a strong global footprint with about 6200 employees, 26 production plants, two research centres and sales offices in over 50 countries. The Elkem group also consists of Elkem Solar and REC Solar, with about 2250 employees and 3 manufacturing sites in the solar value chain. The Elkem group is owned by China National Bluestar.