Annual Report 2010 - About Heraeus

44 Heraeus 2010 ··· Group Management Report ··· Consolidated Financial Statements
Materials and Technologies
Sensors
Despite declining sales of sputtering targets for the glasscoating
industry in China due to reduced project funding,
the large area coating segment achieved its highest
revenues ever. News on the technology front includes
the successful introduction in Hanau, Germany, of plasma
spray technology, which is becoming increasingly
important in the production of tube targets.
The electronic components segment benefited from
the rapid recovery of the display and semiconductor
markets, substantially expanding business volume in
the semiconductor industry in 2010.
SENSOR COMPONENTS
Sensor Components significantly increased its revenues
in 2010. Growth was spurred particularly by increased
demand for custom-made platinum thin-layer sensors for
the automobile industry as well as sensors for heat meters.
Government efforts to conserve energy and reduce
emissions in China have significantly increased demand
for ultra-precise heat meter sensors. Here, the division
benefited from its technological leadership. Increased
orders for this application have necessitated short-term
capacity expansion (investments and personnel).
RESEaRCh aND DEVElOPMENT
Total expenditures for research and development within
Heraeus Materials Technology amounted to €12.6 million
in 2010. Most of this was allocated for the development
of new products. Under the new alignment of
business groups, Heraeus Materials Technology recorded
an innovation rate of 18%.