The Johnson Matthey Group has recently relocated its Belgian operations in the Evere-Brussels industrial estate. The new factory provides a wide range of facilities for the production and fabrication of platinum and the other noble metals, particularly for industry but also for dental and jewellery applications.

Many of the activities are very specialised. In the weaving shop illustrated here four looms are used for weaving catalyst gauzes in plain and herringbone patterns from 60 to 100 microns diameter wire. Employing one of the largest looms of its type in the world SA Johnson Matthey NV can weave gauzes up to five metres in width. Rolling mills located in a dust-free area are dedicated to the platinum metals, thus avoiding the possibility of contaminating the products, which include bushings and spinner baskets for the fibre glass industry, and laboratory apparatus.

Now located near to both the international airport and the motorway that surrounds Brussels, the size and organisation of the company ensures a flexibility that enables it to respond rapidly to the needs of its national and international customers.