EQS-News: Aurubis AG: Leading global selenium producer RETORTE secures growth in future markets with new facility

Leading global selenium producer RETORTE secures growth in future markets with new facility

• RETORTE continues to expand global market leadership in the specialized selenium production market and remains an important employer in the region 
• Largest single investment in RETORTE company history secures worldwide growth potential in high-margin food and pharmaceutical markets 
• The approximately € 7 million investment boosts production capacity by 20 % and strengthens the site in Röthenbach as a building block in the Aurubis multimetal material cycle

Röthenbach a.d. Pegnitz, May 12, 2025 — RETORTE GmbH, global market leader in the specialized market for high-purity selenium products and subsidiary of leading global multimetal manufacturer Aurubis AG, inaugurated a new selenium production facility today. The € 7 million for the highly automated facility marks the largest individual investment in the company’s history and expands capacities by about 20%. RETORTE is establishing a technological landmark with the facility certified in accordance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) and will be able to supply sophisticated future markets in pharmaceuticals and food technology.

“Selenium is an important material — indispensable in trace amounts but technologically demanding in its production. Our new facility demonstrates how we unite industrial efficiency, product purity, and sustainability in the Aurubis material cycle,” Aurubis AG COO Tim Kurth said. “RETORTE holds a crucial role, producing internationally in-demand specialty products from a co-product of our copper smelting.”

The facility fulfills all GMP standards — a closed production cycle prevents impurities and guarantees the highest purity. For RETORTE Managing Director Steffan Huber, this is a milestone: “We are sustainably meeting the stringent standards of the health and wellness sectors while boosting our competitive edge at the same time. This secures our access to attractive future markets — in South America and Asia, for instance — and enables us to offer custom solutions internationally.”

The new 700 m² building at the Röthenbach site includes expansion and storage space in addition to the core production area, as well as an advanced exhaust and filter system. This contributes to improved work safety and environmental protection. The new facility puts RETORTE in a position to tap the sub-markets for selenite and selenate — used as a trace element in many consumer goods including table salt, vitamin products, and immune sprays — even better. 

Röthenbach Mayor Klaus Hacker commended the project as a forward-looking investment: “With this innovative infrastructure, RETORTE strengthens its own position but also the significance of our hub in the international competitive landscape for technology. We are especially pleased about the involvement of regional partners — a clear commitment to creating added value locally.”

Background

Selenium — small quantities, substantial impact 

Selenium is a metalloid whose varied benefits are evident even in very small quantities, which is why it is available in limited volumes in a niche market. The metalloid exists in different modifications and has photoelectric properties, so it is indispensable for solar cell production, for example. Selenium is essential for humans and animals as well. It is a trace element in a number of human and animal proteins and influences biological processes. As a result, selenium is crucial in the feed industry and is used in consumer goods such as immune sprays, table salt, and nutritional supplements — and even shampoos.

RETORTE — global market leader in selenium production 

As global market leader, RETORTE produces about 50 different selenium products that it supplies to around 500 customers in 15 industries around the world. These include the glass, feed, solar, semiconductor and optical industries as well as the pharmaceutical, electroplating, steel and fertilizer sectors. The metalloid raw selenium accumulates as a co-product of copper refining in anode slime during electrolysis and is processed into high-purity selenium and selenium compounds at RETORTE. With over 40 employees at the site in Röthenbach a.d. Pegnitz, Germany, RETORTE’s production adheres to the highest environmental and ethical standards and is certified in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001, as well as FSSC 22000 and FAMI-QS. The site was founded in 1949 and has been part of the Aurubis Group since 1974.

More information at www.aurubis.com/retorte 

Aurubis — Metals for Progress: Leading global provider of non-ferrous metals

Aurubis AG is a leading global provider of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. The company processes complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, organic and inorganic metal-bearing recycling materials, and industrial residues into metals of the highest quality. Aurubis produces more than 1 million tons of copper cathodes annually, and from them a variety of products such as wire rod, continuous cast shapes, profiles, and flat rolled products made of copper and copper alloys. Aurubis produces a number of other metals as well, including precious metals, selenium, lead, nickel, tin and zinc. The portfolio also includes additional products such as sulfuric acid and iron silicate.  

Sustainability is a fundamental part of the Aurubis strategy. “Aurubis responsibly transforms raw materials into value” — following this maxim, the company integrates sustainable conduct and business activities into the corporate culture. This involves a careful approach to natural resources, responsible social and ecological conduct in everyday business, and sensible, healthy growth.  

Aurubis has around 7,000 employees, production sites in Europe and the US, and an extensive distribution network around the world. 

Aurubis shares are part of the Prime Standard Segment of the German Stock Exchange and are listed in the MDAX, the Global Challenges Index (GCX), and the STOXX Europe 600. 

More information at www.aurubis.com