On Jan. 2, 2024, Elkem celebrated its 120 year anniversary, having grown from an industrial start-up in 1904 into a global provider of advanced silicon-based materials that even assisted in landing the Perserverance rover on Mars.
Elkem was founded on Jan. 2, 1904 by Sam Eyde, Knut Tillberg and Knut and Marcus Wallenberg as “the Norwegian Stock Company for Electrochemical Industry.” Today, the company has around 7,300 employees and is delivering revenues of NOK 45.9 billion (US $44.3 billion) (2022).
In 2015 Elkem integrated a chemical business in France, adding a culture for specialization, innovation and R&D; integrated two plants in China in 2017, adding positioning for the Asian market; and was listed again on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ESG) in 2018, where the company is now also part of the ESG Index featuring the 40 listed companies with the best ESG risk rating, per the company.
Related: Elkem Appoints Larry Zhang as Silicone Division SVP
Today, around three grams of high-purity silicon produced by Elkem can be found inside most of the world’s smartphones, per the company. The company's silicones can be found in more than two million electric vehicles and even as part of thermal batteries which have successfully landed the Perseverance rover on Mars.
Elkem CEO, Helge Aasen, commented: “The Elkem of 2024 is one of the world's leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. We help our customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities."
