Sulzer Composites, so far based in  Winterthur, emerged from a successful project of the re­search and development division Sulzer Innotec. The thermoplastic advanced composite mate­rials developed and produced by Sulzer Composites combine high strength with outstanding resistance to temperature and chemicals, and weigh considerably less than traditional metals. These materials therefore provide tailor-made solutions for a growing range of industrial appli­cations in various demanding areas.

The Sulzer Corporation is divesting Sulzer Composites in connection with the corporate focus­ing strategy. Sulzer is concentrating in the venture business sector entirely on Sulzer Hexis, which develops and markets fuel cell systems.

The Gurit-Heberlein Group specializes in chemical and plastics technologies, and is a leading supplier of advanced composites. By acquiring Sulzer Composites, Gurit-Heberlein significantly expands its offering of fiber composites primarily for the automobile industry, aircraft industry, building construction, and the oil and gas industry.

All Sulzer Composites personnel will be taken over at current employment conditions. As of May 1, 2002 these activities will be integrated into Gurit Material Systems – the division for Advanced Composites – and relocated to Flurlingen near Schaffhausen.

The Sulzer Corporation comprises the four core divisions Sulzer Metco (surface coating tech­nologies and services), Sulzer Turbomachinery Services, Sulzer Pumps (including services), Sulzer Chemtech (chemical process technology), and the venture division Sulzer Hexis (fuel cell systems). Sales by these core divisions in 2001 totaled around CHF 2 billion. The restructured Sulzer Corporation now employs around 10’000 people worldwide.