RHI AG, the world market leader in refractories, has taken over 100% of Stopinc AG on January 18, 2012.

Stopinc AG produces and sells refractory special products for the usage in the iron and steel industry. Previously RHI AG held a 50% stake in the Swiss company.

With this takeover, RHI AG strengthens the Flow Control segment, which covers the regulated flow of liquid steel and nonferrous metals in the production process.

Stopinc AG is one of the world market leaders in this segment with its Interstop brand and focuses on special products. RHI AG will keep the brand and will continue to expand its activities, especially in Asia, and to invest in research.

Stopinc AG, which is based in Hünenberg, Switzerland, will be maintained as an independent company with production sites and sales offices in the USA and China as well as service offices in Brazil, India and Russia. The company's 90 employees generated revenues of EUR 29.4 million in the financial year 2010. In the course of taking over Didier-Werke AG in 1996, RHI AG acquired a 50% stake in Stopinc AG.