H.C. Starck history

Primarily dealing in metals and ores, this fast-growing business expanded into the US with a New York facility by 1925.

The Newton plant traces its success back to 1940 when Richard Morse and William Coolidge founded the National Research Corporation (NRC) in Cambridge, MA. NRC offered a portfolio unlike the refractory metals and powders offered by H.C. Starck at the time.

1945 Patented Products First patents for high-purity tantalum and niobium metal powders are filed; expansion and comprehensive modernization of reduction capacities for tungsten and molybdenum metal powders.

It was not until 1957 that NRC entered the refractory metals market by offering tantalum powder, subsequently earning a patent for the process.

These achievements brought NRC to the attention of Norton Company, who purchased NRC in 1963 before floating on the New York Stock Exchange shortly afterward as a public company.

In 1975, H.C. Starck acquired 50% of Norton’s refractory metals division.

By 1990, H.C. Starck Solutions’ Newton plant produced powder, wire, and various refractory metals products.

2000 Further Acquisition H.C. Starck acquires a majority stake in the American CSM Group, and integrates the business as its Fabricated Products (FPR) area, headquartered in Newton (US).

NRC04/04: Enhanced flat product introduced in 2004 for greater texture control

NRC08: Innovative texture controlled product introduced in 2008

H.C. Starck Solutions’ Newton plant was recognized for our efficiency and quality production processes in 2010, following a concerted effort to adopt lean manufacturing processes.

2018 Sale of divisions As part of H.C. Starck`s strategic development of ownership, the division STC was sold to Höganäs AB and the division Ta&Nb was sold to JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation.

In 2020, H.C. Starck Solutions is proudly celebrating our centenary, marking 100 years of refractory metals expertise and metallurgical excellence.