History

Silicon carbide (SiC) was discovered by chance in 1891 by the American Acheson in his attempts to make artificial diamond. Unlike many alchemists who preceded him, his efforts were not entirely without result. During his experiments, dark, irregular crystals were formed with a hardness only matched by diamond and boron carbide.

2021

Restart of TopSiC® production in Delfzijl
2015

ESD earns first ISO:50001:2011 energy management certification
2012

New steam boiler was installed in power plant
2012

ESD earns first ISO:14001-2004 environmental management certification
2009

Acquisition of ESD-SIC bv by REF-Prosessing GmbH
2001

Acquisition of ESD by Dr. Fritz Petersen and separation from Wacker Chemie
1995

Construction of water treatment plant in Delfzijl
1994

ESD earns first ISO:9001-2008 quality management certification
1990

Construction of desulphurization plant in Delfzijl
1981

Energy recovery plant in Delfzijl – utilization of process gases
1973

Start of SiC production in Delfzijl and founding of Elektroschmelzwerks Delfzijl bv (ESD)
1972 - 1974

Development of new SiC technology in Delfzijl (The Netherlands)
1952

Start of SiC-production at ESK in Frechen
1933

Purchase of ESK by Wacker Chemie
1925

ESK starts production of SiC in Kempten
1922

Founding of Elektroschmelzwerk Kempten AG (ESK)
1891

Discovery of SiC by Acheson