Shanghai, September. 17, 2013. Today SGL Group – The Carbon Company hosted a media workshop in Shanghai to celebrate its 15th anniversary in China. The Group recognized achievements the company has made during this time.
15 Years in China: Remaining Focused on Carbon
To illustrate the correlation between the unique economic climb that has shaped Shanghai over the last decades and the development of SGL Group in China, the company shared photographs taken in Shanghai between 1998 and today. These images highlighted the important roles that economic and technological developments have played in improving people’s lives. Dr. Guenter Hermann, CEO of SGL China, focused on the company’s footprint in the Chinese market over the past fifteen years. The company also briefed the media about the celebratory events commemorating the 15 year anniversary highlighting the commitment and passion of SGL Group in the region.

Since the company acquired its first business license in 1998, SGL Group has remained dedicated to expanding its presence in the Chinese market. Since this time, SGL Group has established an independent local organization in China, serving as an integral component of its international operations with four legal entities, to serve the market with tailored products and international customers. Today, SGL Group has around 6,700 employees worldwide with an annual turnover of approximately €1,709 million.

“With the 15th anniversary of SGL Group in China, we’ve reached another milestone in the company’s success story,” said Dr. Guenter Hermann. “I would like to extend our thanks to our fellow employees. Everyone has contributed to the success of SGL Group in China. Based on this solid foothold, we are confident about SGL’s future growth in China.”
Carbon for a Better Urban Life
SGL Group’s carbon and graphite based products are used extensively in aerospace, automotive manufacture, renewable energy, building construction, the recycling of scrap steel and many other fields, which are seeing increasing demand in the Chinese market.

SGL Group is working in close collaboration with leading players in various industries to improve the quality of urban life.

For example, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers (SGL ACF), the joint venture with the BMW Group, supplies carbon fiber and carbon fiber fabrics for the highly innovative BMW i series. The first BMW i3 vehicles will be delivered to customers at the end of 2013 and are currently being showcased at the 65th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The world premiere of the i3 took place on July 29, 2013 simultaneously in London, New York and Beijing.

Additionally, SGL Group and Samsung recently established a strategic partnership to develop new industrial and electronic applications with carbon composite materials. The joint venture targets applications in the markets for electronic products, wind blades, pressure vessels, automotive and household appliances in the Far East.

With the growing need for green buildings in China, the demand for efficient solutions for climate-adapted spaces is rising rapidly. SGL Group and the global construction specialist Lindner have established a joint venture committed to promoting the green air conditioning technology and will provide optimized and innovative solutions for China’s green architecture.

About SGL Group – The Carbon Company
SGL Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based products and materials. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite products to carbon fibers and composites. SGL Group’s core competencies are its expertise in high-temperature technology as well as its applications and engineering know-how gained over many years. These competencies enable the Company to make full use of its broad material base. SGL Group’s carbon-based materials combine several unique properties such as very good electrical and thermal conductivity, heat and corrosion resistance as well as high mechanical strength combined with low weight. Due to industrialization in the growth regions of Asia and Latin America and increased substitution of traditional with innovative materials, there is a growing demand for SGL Group’s high-performance materials and products. Products from SGL Group are used predominantly in the steel, aluminum, automotive and chemical industries as well as in the semiconductor, solar and LED sectors and in lithium-ion batteries. Carbon-based materials and products are also being used increasingly in the wind power, aerospace and defense industries.

With 45 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service network covering more than 100 countries, SGL Group is a company with a global presence. In 2012, the Company’s workforce of around 6,700 employees generated sales of €1,709 million. The Company’s head office is located in Wiesbaden.

Further information about SGL Group can be found online at: www.sglgroup.com