S&B mines and processes bentonite, perlite, bauxite, zeolite, wollastonite and produces continuous casting fluxes and a variety of specialty products for a wide range of industrial applications and markets, thus contributing to our modern and sustainable life. S&B is organized internally according to a matrix system, based on four geographic regions and four market segments. Click on the Region and Segment headers for more information about each. The geographic regions -North Europe, South Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas- are responsible for operations, sales, supply chain and support functions. The global market segments – Metallurgy, Foundry, Construction and Specialties- have responsibility for marketing, global accounts management, business development and Research & Development. This structure is supported by a lean organization of corporate functions that set, drive and monitor the implementation of corporate strategies and policies. The matrix environment operates with multiple communication lines that capitalize on the diversity of our global community of employees, fostering a collaborative, learning and innovative organization with a clear strategic focus. OTAVI, a Brand of the S&B Group Founded in 1900, over more than a century in operation OTAVI has earned a stellar reputation for quality, service, innovation and sustainability. Our vast experience and commitment to customer service have made us a leader in the processing and trading of a wide range of the highest quality industrial materials used mainly in glass, ceramics, metallurgy and refractories applications. Customer Contact, On-Time Delivery, Custom Product Preparation Located in Neuss, in western Germany, we operate two milling facilities with ample raw material storage and access to Europe’s major waterways, ensuring convenient access to our customers and reliable, just-in-time deliveries. Our milling capabilities also allow for strict quality control and precise, made-to-order formulations. Specialty Raw Materials Along with an extensive range of conventional raw materials, OTAVI delivers processed AI203 based materials for refractory products, and is a leading supplier of industrial solutions in the European Glass and Ceramics Industry. IKO, a Brand of the S&B Group IKO was founded in 1964 in Marl, Germany. In 50 years as a supplier to the European foundry industry, the company has earned a reputation for expertise, service and innovation. IKO became a wholly owned subsidiary of S&B in 2001. Foundry Solutions Worldwide S&B has a long tradition as a supplier of foundry-grade bentonite, originally using its world renowned reserves on the island of Milos. With the acquisition of IKO-Erbsloeh, S&B moved closer to foundry customers in Europe, supplying them with bentonite, coal and application technology. The group expanded into the Americas by incorporating the expertise, technology and assets of the Hill & Griffith and BPM foundry businesses. Today the group offers foundry solutions worldwide out of its bases in Europe and America as well as through newly established joint ventures in Asia. Within the group, IKO as a brand symbolizes the know-how, customized services and quality offered to this important market segment. Innovation for the Foundry Industry IKO’s industry-leading technology has been instrumental in the development of a range of innovative products and solutions for many segments of the foundry industry, addressing environmental concerns associated with molding and core making. From the patented RIKO™ process, which utilizes the waste stream from green sand extraction systems as a source of materials for green sand molding operations, to Envirobond™, which enables the foundry process to operate with fewer emissions, IKO is constantly searching for and developing new, sustainable answers to the industry’s ever-evolving challenges.