GrafTech International Ltd., Parma, Ohio, announces that its global headquarters will be relocated to Independence, Ohio, and will house approximately 50 employees working in the company’s corporate functions. The newly established Innovation & Technology Center will be located in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio, and will include scientists, lab technicians, and marketing professionals. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2015.
The company previously announced its decision to relocate its headquarters and redesign its research and development function in September 2014 as part of its ongoing cost-savings initiatives to improve profitability and competitive positioning. The decision to downsize corporate functions by approximately 25% has enabled the relocation to a smaller, more cost effective, corporate headquarters. The redesigned research and development function will be focused on commercializing next generation technologies in carbon and graphite material science.
GrafTech’s Chief Executive Officer, Joel Hawthorne, commented, “We continue to execute on our stated goal of creating a more streamlined business model, with greater accountability and cost efficiency. With these moves, we will further reduce expenses, improve operational synergies and best position GrafTech to drive innovation to support future success.”
GrafTech International is a global company that offers innovative graphite material solutions in a wide range of industries and end markets, including steel manufacturing, advanced energy applications and latest-generation electronics. GrafTech operates 18 principal manufacturing facilities on four continents and sells products in over 70 countries. Headquartered in Parma, Ohio, GrafTech employs approximately 2600 people.
