Bluestar Silicones becomes Elkem Silicones_Integration of Xinghuo and Yongdeng and renaming of Bluestar Silicones division to Elkem Silicones_by chemwinfo

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.

Helge Aasen,

CEO of Elkem

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, 

The Elkem group will now have

* 26 manufacturing sites and

* about 6200 employees.

Frederic Jacquin

CEO of 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,

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.