Astron has an extensive and successful history of operating in China. Astron became one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of advanced zirconia materials for the refractory and ceramic industries. Following the sale of its manufacturing, processing and marketing operations to Imerys in 2008, Astron retained two businesses in China: trading and technical research and development operations. The trading business has enabled Astron to retain extensive, regular and thorough knowledge and contact with its historic base of customers for zirconium and titanium products.