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Press Release

Lavradio, 7th September 2013

High-tech made in Portugal

Fisipe celebrates 40 years and prepares for the future German based SGL Group selected Fisipe for the production of precursor in Europe / Integration of the Portuguese company in the production chain of carbon fibers / Presentation of the new logo

In the 40th year of operation, Fisipe opens a new chapter. The company based in Lavradio is

concluding the integration into SGL Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based

products and materials. The German group, that acquired Fisipe last year, selected the Portuguese

acrylic fibers company as its European production base for Precursor, the raw material used in

carbon fiber manufacturing. In parallel, the existing production and marketing of acrylic fibers for the

global market of acrylic fiber specialities is continued.

Stefan Seibel, Managing Director of Fisipe: “Thanks to the comprehensive specialization,

diversification and high quality, Fisipe stands out in a very demanding and competitive global market.

With this backward integration, we strengthen SGL Group’s technology base along the entire carbon

fiber value chain.”

Currently, Fisipe is preparing the production of precursor and has already started with the

construction and installation of the new equipment to manufacture precursor. Furthermore, Fisipe will

convert and upgrade existing acrylic fiber lines for the future production of the carbon fiber raw

material starting next year. With the beginning of the commercialization, in particular the supply of

precursor to SGL Group carbon fiber production sites in Scotland and the U.S., the integration

process of Fisipe into the group will be concluded. Being the only European manufacturer of

integrated carbon fibers SGL Group strengthens its technological base by completing the added value

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chain from raw materials to carbon fibers to composite materials. Carbon fiber-based materials

combine several unique properties such as high mechanical strength with low weight, very good

electrical and thermal conductivity as well as heat and corrosion resistance. Therefore, they are

applied in industries such as automotive, aerospace, wind power and sporting goods.

”In the years to come, the main business of Fisipe clearly remains the production of acrylic fiber

specialities”, emphasizes Stefan Seibel. “Fisipe has a very good reputation in a global market

regarding product quality and services. Being now part of SGL Group, Fisipe is even more

strengthened to compete in this very demanding market.” Fisipe produces a variety of different acrylic

fiber specialities for technical and textile applications. The annual production is around 50.000 tons, of

which 99 per cent are exported worldwide.

Burkhard Straube, Head of Business Unit Carbon Fibers & Composite Materials of SGL Group:

“Fisipe has been a long-term partner with proven know-how in manufacturing acrylic fibers and has a

modern production and research infrastructure with its own energy supply. This together with the

motivated and highly qualified team in Lavradio will enable us to close the strategic gap in our Carbon

Fiber and Composite Business to the benefit of our customers.”

Fisipe presents its new logo The new Fisipe logo combines continuity and integration. The name “FISIPE” as well as the claim

“Your creative partner in acrylic fibers” will be maintained since by this the company is an

internationally known brand and recognized as an acrylic fiber producer standing for high standard of

innovation, quality and service. The colors of Fisipe’s logo are changed to blue and red adopting the

colors of SGL Group representing the integration.

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About SGL Group – The Carbon Company SGL Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based products and materials. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite products to carbon fibers and composites. With 45 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service network covering more than 100 countries, SGL Group is a company with a global presence. In 2012, the Company’s workforce of around 6,700 employees generated sales of €1,709 million. The Company’s head office is located in Wiesbaden. Further information on the SGL Group can be found online at: www.sglgroup.com.

About Fisipe

Fisipe – Fibras Sintéticas de Portugal S.A. is a manufacturer of acrylic fibers with production facilities in Lavradio, Portugal. Formed in 1973, Fisipe has 40 years of experience in this area. Since its formation, it has developed from a manufacturer of standard textile fibers into a provider of specialist acrylic fibers. The company also produces pre-colored and functional fibers for technical applications. In 2012, the company produced approximately t 50 thousand of acrylic fiber and employed around 330 people.

For more information, please contact:

Communication Department / Tino Fritsch Phone: +49 611 6029-105 / Fax: +49 611 6029-101 / Mobile: +49 170 540 2667 E-Mail: tino.fritsch@sglcarbon.de / www.sglgroup.com Communication Fisipe / Nicolas Mehrle Phone: +351 212 066 101 E-Mail : nicolas.mehrle@fisipe.pt / www.fisipe.pt

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Press Release

40 years in brief 7th September 1973 – Foundation of Fisipe Fisipe results from a joint-venture between CUF and Mitsubishi. It was a challenging and

comprehensive project not only because of the new technology but also because of the

necessity to enter into a market dominated by the strong European multinational companies.

1974 – Construction of plant delayed by the revolution

1976 – Inauguration of the plant with a production capacity of 12.500t/year In November, Prime Minister Mário Soares inaugurated the plant. The total production was

destinated to the domestic market.

1980 – Capacity increase to 23.000t/year Fisipe reached the maximum workforce ever: 519 employees.

1984 – Listing at the Lisbon Stock Exchange

1987 – Fisipe's best year in profits Profits of five million euros were achieved. Fisipe introduced the open-end spinning and

made the capital stock, as one of the first Portuguese companies, accessible to its workers.

1989 – Fisipe turns towards exportation The surprising total liberalization of the import of acrylic fibers in Portugal led Fisipe to focus

on exports.

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1990 – Production capacity increases to 39.000t/year Fisipe reached this production volume in 1996.

1994 – Certification of the Quality System - ISO 9002

1998 – Start-up of the pilot plant Fisipe strongly invested in R&D (Research & Development) to increase specialization and

quality.

2000 – Acquisition of the Acordis Plant in Barcelona Fisipe bought the factory with a production capacity of 68.000 t/year of acrylic fibers.

2003 – Amplification to six lines of high productivity Thanks to this investment, Fisipe achieved a production of more than 50.000 t/year.

2004 – Shutdown of Fisipe Barcelona The increase of energy costs made the project infeasible.

2005 – Acquisition by Management Buy Out (MBO) and start-up of colored fibers When faced with the decision by CUF to sell or to close the company, three managers

acquired, individually, a part of Negofor SGPS that held 86% of Fisipe's capital.

The production of colored fibers, started in 2004, gained an industrial volume.

2006 – Special fibers already represent 50% of the production

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2010 – New cogeneration power plant and installation of carbon fiber pilot line The cogeneration power plant, a partnership between Fisipe and EDP, was built inside the

premises. Fisipe also invested in a pilot line for precursor.

2012 – SGL Group acquires Fisipe

2013 – Preparation of precursor production