Cookson Group plc is a materials science company that provides materials, processes and services to customers worldwide. The Company operates in three divisions: Ceramics, Electronics and Precious Metals. Trading under the Vesuvius and Foseco brand names, the Ceramics division is engaged in the supply of advanced consumable products and systems, and is a supplier of specialist ceramic products to the glass and solar industries. The Electronics division is a supplier of advanced surface treatment and plating chemicals and assembly materials. It comprises two product lines: Assembly Materials and Chemistry. The Precious Metals division is a supplier of fabricated precious metals (primarily gold, silver and platinum) to the jewelry industry. Products include alloy materials, semi-finished jewelry components and finished jewelry. On December 23, 2008, the Company disposed of its Hi-Tech Ceramic filters business (Hi-Tech) to companies owned by Sud-Chemie AG.