Kyocera to Acquire Friatec Advanced Ceramic Business

Kyocera Corp. recently announced that its Germany-based European headquarters, Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH, will acquire the Advanced Ceramics business operations of Friatec GmbH through a newly established subsidiary. Friatec, a manufacturer and seller of ceramic and plastic components based in Mannheim, Germany, reportedly has over 150 years of experience in ceramic innovations.

The operations will be transferred to the Kyocera Fineceramics Solutions GmbH subsidiary later in 2019. Closing of the acquisition is subject to the completion of regulatory filings and obtainment of approvals from administrative authorities, which are necessary under anti-trust and investment-related regulations, etc. in relevant countries.

In April 2019, Kyocera acquired H.C. Starck Ceramics GmbH (now Kyocera Fineceramics Precision GmbH), a Germany-based company specializing in non-oxide fine Ceramic Components. The acquisition gave Kyocera its first fine ceramic manufacturing facility in Europe, strategically positioning the company to meet rising demand for fine ceramic components used in industrial machinery.

By subsequently acquiring Friatec's ceramic business, including its main lineup of oxide and Metallized Ceramic Components and a European manufacturing facility capable of producing these products, Kyocera reports that it will be able to offer customers comprehensive service through local production and sales. Kyocera also aims to further expand its fine ceramic business by strengthening its capabilities for developing and supplying prototypes with short delivery times.