SGL Group – The Carbon Company commissioned an integrated carbon and graphite plant in Banting, Malaysia. Operations will begin in modular form with the graphitization of semi-finished graphite electrodes and machining. By 2011, the site will be developed into a fully integrated carbon and graphite hub producing graphite electrodes and cathodes with an annual capacity of 60,000 tons. The initial electrode investment, which has been under construction since November 2006, has been complemented by the cathode construction since the beginning of 2008. Combining both fully integrated operations will enable the company to take advantage of flexibility in production in order to supply the steel and aluminum markets.

According to SGL Group, this is the first new construction project of this magnitude for this industry in 25 years. The company also said Malaysia is an ideal starting point for businesses in Asia because of its skilled workforce, modern infrastructure and social-political stability.