For the CERATIZIT Group, this is a highly positive strategic milestone: it reinforces our longterm positioning on supply chain security — resilient by design, recycling-driven, and anchored in an integrated value chain. It also strengthens the Western processing base that underpins our promise to customers: stability and reliability in an environment shaped by volatility and increasing traceability requirements.
The initiative is designed to ensure a secure supply of tungsten in the United States and reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. It combines Plansee’s industrial and technological leadership in tungsten oxide processing with Manhattan Five’s expertise in structuring, financing, and managing large-scale infrastructure and strategic asset platforms.
As part of the initiative, Plansee intends to expand production capacity for tungsten oxide at its U.S. facility in Towanda, Pennsylvania — Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP), a division of the CERATIZIT Group — to approximately 12,000 tons per year within a short timeframe. Initial deliveries are expected to start in 2026.
A significant portion of production will support a strategic tungsten oxide reserve intended to serve government, defense, and critical industry demand. Under the joint venture structure, Manhattan Five will oversee warehousing, logistics infrastructure, and long-term asset management, while Plansee will lead production expansion and supply.
Integration and control across the value chain
CERATIZIT’s supply security is built on a fully integrated tungsten value chain as part of the Plansee Group — from tungsten powder to finished tools — creating control over crucial steps and reducing exposure to short-term market fluctuations.
Within CERATIZIT, the GTP division plays a central role in this model. As our raw materials and powder division, GTP strengthens processing, recycling and traceability capabilities that support long-term stability for customers across key industrial sectors.
Recycling-driven supply as a strategic stability factor
CERATIZIT operates a recycling-driven supply chain with a ~90% tungsten recycling rate (FY 2024/25). This circular approach reduces dependence on primary raw materials and lowers the carbon footprint while strengthening long-term supply resilience.
Tungsten scrap is collected and sorted by Stadler Raw Materials and processed with advanced recycling technologies at GTP facilities in the United States and Finland.
Responsible sourcing and transparent standards
CERATIZIT ensures raw materials are sourced responsibly and transparently through RMI-conformant smelters and a strict Supplier Code of Conduct. This supports compliance and traceability expectations in customer supply chains.
What this means for CERATIZIT customers
For customers, the value is clear:
- Stronger Western processing base supporting long-term stability and planning reliability
- Resilience enabled by an integrated value chain and control of crucial steps
- Recycling-driven supply security supported by a ~90% tungsten recycling rate (FY 2024/25)
- Responsible sourcing and transparent standards through RMI-conformant smelters and a strict Supplier Code of Conduct
CERATIZIT – Tooling a Sustainable Future
For over 100 years, CERATIZIT has been developing and producing sophisticated hard material cutting and wear protection solutions. The private company, with registered offices in Mamer, Luxembourg, develops and produces highly specialised cutting tools, indexable inserts, wear parts and carbide rods made from hard materials. The CERATIZIT Group is the global market leader in various application segments and successfully develops new carbide, cermet and ceramic grades, such as for wood and stone working.
With more than 7,000 employees at 30 production facilities and a sales network with over 70 branches, CERATIZIT is a global player in the carbide industry. The company’s international network includes subsidiary Stadler Raw Materials, Global Tungsten & Powders, and joint venture CB-CERATIZIT.
As a technology leader, CERATIZIT is continually investing in research and development and holds more than 1,000 patents. Innovative cutting tools and hard material solutions from CERATIZIT are used in various sectors, including mechanical engineering and toolmaking, in the automotive and aerospace industries and in the oil, gas and medical industries.
CERATIZIT Deutschland GmbH
Zeppelinstraße 12
87437 Kempten
Telefon: +49 (831) 57010-0
Telefax: +49 (831) 57010-3559
http://cuttingtools.ceratizit.com
Telefon: +352 (31) 2085-854
E-Mail: press@ceratizit.com
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