02/05/2011: Information for our customers

Shortening of payment terms

Due to the unchanged high level of raw-material prices and the resulting financial burden, the Wieland Group is facing the necessity to further shorten the payment terms for deliveries.

As from 1 May 2011 the following terms will be applicable:

payment terms of 20 – 30 days: reduction by 10 days
payment terms of more than 30 days: reduction by 20 days

Introduction of a framework contract for metal contracts

buntmetall has for years been offering its customers the possibility of hedging against metal-price fluctuations through metal contracts. This practice will be maintained in the future.

As an additional security measure for the customer and the company, buntmetall is introducing a framework contract which is confirmed by the contracting parties one time only.
We kindly ask our customers to help us implement these measures. Your contact person will inform you in the coming days.

03/07/2011: Copper's antimicrobial properties
Substantial contribution to hospital hygiene

Leading medics are convinced that copper and its alloys can make a substantial contribution to hospital hygiene because of these antimicrobial properties. This is especially true where classic hygiene measures are no longer sufficient, as in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Yet various independent studies have shown that the number of microorganisms on contact surfaces made of copper were up to 90 percent lower than in the control group. This is particularly important for places where dangerous germs can collect and spread, for instance on frequently touched objects such as door handles, light switches and bathroom fittings. For information on the latest research findings, further possible applications for antimicrobial copper materials and the range of products already available, check out the website www.antimicrobialcopper.com

12/10/2010: Metal premiums 2011

Against the background of a constant positive economic trend, leading producers and analysts expect an increase of the global copper demand next year. Consequently, the premiums for long term contracts in 2011 have been raised.

The Wieland Group is facing the necessity to pass on these costs and therefore the premiums will increase for deliveries from 1 January 2011 for the following metals:

Copper: + 35 USD/t

Nickel: + 100 USD/t

Tin: + 200 USD/t

Zinc: + 20 USD/t

Lead: + 20 USD/t

Aluminium: + 100 USD/t

If the economic context should change, Wieland will reserve the right to make a further adjustment.

Regardless of the temporary market influences, the Wieland Group ensures the physical metal supply by long term contracts with global metal producers and traders.

08/24/2010: Price adjustment

After last year’s massive economic downturn, the demand for buntmetall products has recovered significantly.

At the same time, costs are rising disproportionately. In order to counter this development, the company continuously strives to reduce costs and to improve productivity.

Nevertheless, these steps are not sufficient to guarantee long-term economic production and to ensure product supply to our customers.

Therefore, buntmetall is forced to increase the fabrication prices by 5 % as of 1 September 2010.

05/01/2010: Adjustment of terms of payment

As a result of the economic crisis and the continuously high metal prices, the financial burden for the Wieland Group has increased significantly. Therefore, as from 1 May 2010 the company will reduce the payment terms for deliveries by one third. This preventive step is necessary to ensure a stable financing in the long term.

We thank you for your understanding.

01/12/2010: Metal premiums 2010

In the year 2010 the Wieland Group will leave the premiums on its metals unchanged at the current level. Wieland has concluded long-term contracts with its suppliers and is, therefore, able to ensure a reliable supply to its customers. Should there be a substantial change in the general conditions, the Wieland Group reserves the right to adjust the premiums accordingly.