Orion S.A.’s Plant in France Earns IATF Certification

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The designation is the auto industry’s globally recognized quality benchmark

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC), a specialty chemical company, announced today that its conductive additives plant in France has earned the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) certification.

The certification, known as IATF 16949, is the automotive industry’s seal of approval for quality. It confirms that Orion’s facility in Berre-l'Étang has rigorous processes in place to consistently produce products that meet the demanding standards of automotive manufacturers.

“Achieving IATF certification demonstrates to our customers that Orion follows internationally recognized quality practices and maintains an ongoing focus on operational excellence,” said Dr. Sandra Niewiem, senior vice president and managing director for Global Specialty Carbon Black and the EMEA Region. “It gives automotive customers confidence that we have the systems, controls and discipline to meet their rigorous expectations.”

To achieve the certification, Orion documented processes, trained employees, conducted audits, addressed risks and demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Berre-l'Étang site repurposes acetylene gas – a byproduct from a neighboring plant – and upcycles it to create acetylene black, a conductive additive used in lithium-ion batteries, high-voltage wire and cable and other applications. The facility has a wet-beading unit that pelletizes the acetylene black powder, making it dust-free and easier to package and process.

Orion’s plants in the Chinese cities of Huaibei and Qingdao also have IATF certifications.

The IATF is a group of automakers and automotive trade associations that develops and oversees automotive quality standards worldwide. IATF certifications are awarded by independent, accredited organizations that have been approved to conduct IATF 16949 audits.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260916368575/en/

William Foreman
Orion S.A.
Director of Corporate Communications
and Government Affairs
william.foreman@orioncarbons.com
Direct: +1 832-445-3305

Christopher Kapsch
Orion S.A.
Vice President of Investor Relations
christopher.kapsch@orioncarbons.com
Direct: +1 281-318-4413

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

Key Terms

iatf 16949 technical

An international quality management standard for companies that design and make parts for vehicles, built on a widely used quality framework and tailored to the automotive industry. Like a detailed recipe and inspection checklist that suppliers must follow, it signals consistent production, fewer defects, and eligibility for major auto contracts — information investors use to judge operational reliability, risk of costly recalls, and potential for steady revenue.

conductive additive technical

A conductive additive is a small amount of electrically conductive material (such as carbon, graphite, or metal powder) mixed into battery electrodes or other composite materials to create networks that let electrons move more easily. Think of it like weaving tiny wires into a fabric so electricity can flow; its type and quantity affect performance, manufacturing cost, energy efficiency and reliability of battery-powered products, which in turn can influence production costs and supply-chain risks.

acetylene black technical

Acetylene black is a highly pure, fine-grained form of carbon black made by decomposing acetylene gas; it conducts electricity much better than ordinary carbon powders. Manufacturers mix it into battery electrodes, conductive inks, and other electrical components to improve conductivity and uniformity, so changes in its price, availability, or quality can affect production costs and performance in industries like battery and electronic materials. Think of it as a microscopic wiring additive that helps electrical parts work reliably.