Oerlikon Balzers is one of the world’s leading suppliers of surface technologies that significantly improve the performance and durability of precision components as well as tools for the metal and plastics processing industries. Extremely thin and exceptionally hard coatings, marketed under the BALINIT and BALIQ brand names, reduce friction and wear. The BALDIA portfolio of diamond coatings enables top performance even when machining very challenging materials. The BALITHERM brand opens up a broad range of heat treatment services, whereas BALTONE comprises coatings that are available in a full range of elegant colours, perfectly suited for decorative applications. BALORA gives components effective protection from oxidation and corrosion in environments with extremely high temperatures. BALIMED ThinFilm coatings, with wear-resistant, biocompatible, antimicrobial and chemically inert properties, have been developed especially for medical applications. Under the BALIFOR technology brand the company has introduced technologies which provide tailor-made solutions for the automotive market. Worldwide, more than 1,300 coating systems are in operation at Oerlikon Balzers’ facilities and its customers. Equipment engineering and assembly of Balzers’ systems are processed in Liechtenstein and in Bergisch Gladbach (Germany). Oerlikon Balzers operates a dynamically growing network of more than 110 coating centres in 36 countries in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Oerlikon Balzers is – together with Oerlikon Metco and Oerlikon AM – part of the Surface Solutions Division of the Switzerland-based Oerlikon Group. (SIX: OERL)