Outokumpu Expands Alloy Offering for Connector Strip in Europe

Announcement of a licensing arrangement between The Connectors Business Line of Outokumpu Copper Products (OCP) and ILNOR S.p.A. in Venice, Italy, to produce the highest quality strip for the connector industry under the OCP label.

Outokumpu Copper Products of Finland has signed a licensing agreement with ILNOR S.p.A. of Italy in order to expand its alloy offering to the connector industry.

ILNOR will produce under the Outokumpu Copper Products label highest quality copper alloy strip. This cooperation strengthens Outokumpu's commitment to provide a global supply of high performance interconnect materials for the electrical and electronics applications of the automotive, telecommunication, data communication, and white goods industries. ILNOR is a perfect partner to us for its recent investments in high technology equipment, process capabilities and strong commitment to be a world-class operation" says Raymond Mercer, Vice President & General Manager –Connectors Business Line.

Advanced technology and continual process development enable Outokumpu and ILNOR to produce a range of bronze, brass, and high performance alloys, such as Copper Nickel Silicon (CuNiSi, C7026) the key material in many applications.

Materials produced at ILNOR will meet Outokumpus strict quality standards and specifications. By continual audits the consistent, high quality will be guaranteed. Outokumpu Copper Products continues to develop the technology, processes and alloys, to provide a global supply of advanced materials to meet the increasing demand for high performance connectors.

Outokumpu Copper Products Connectors Business Line has manufacturing facilities in Buffalo (NY), Delaware (OH) and Appleton (WI), in the USA, Zutphen, the Netherlands, and now in Venice, Italy.

ILNOR is a family business, established in 1961 and is totally integrated from foundry to finished products in copper and copper alloy strips.

Outokumpu Copper Products is part of Outokumpu - a leading metals & technology group, which specializes in stainless steel, fabricated copper products, copper and zinc metals production and related technology. In 2002 the Groups net sales totaled EUR 5.6 billion and it employs some 21 000 people in more than 40 countries. Outokumpu Copper Products operates globally and has a strong competitive position on its traditional markets in the US and Europe. In recent years the investments to South-East Asia and China have made it a significant supplier of copper products for the globally operating as well as the local customers. Main customer groups are in the electrical, electronics, and telecommunications industries as well as in heat transfer and building & construction and automotive industries. The manufacturing units are in the US, Finland, Sweden, The Netherlands, Spain, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Austria and Britain. Net sales of Outokumpu Copper Products in 2002 were EUR 1 472 million and it employs more than 7200 people.

For more information regarding Outokumpu OYJ contact Eero Mustala - Corporate Communications, +358 9 421 2435, eero.mustala@outokumpu.com.
outokumpu.com/copper/americas

Outokumpu manufacturing facilities for connector strip and wire can be found all around the world: United States - Buffalo, NY / Delaware, OH / Appleton, WI -- Europe - Zutphen, NL / Venice, IT
outokumpu.com/copper/americas
U.S.A. – 1-800-234-7877
Europe / Asia Pacific – 31(0)575 594605