Oerlikon Balzers, a technology brand of the Oerlikon Group, is one of the world’s leading providers of surface technologies that significantly improve the performance and durability of precision components as well as tools for the metal and plastics processing industries. Extremely thin and exceptionally hard coatings, marketed under the BALINIT and BALIQ brand names, reduce friction and wear. The BALITHERM brand opens up a broad range of heat treatment services, whereas BALTONE comprises coatings that are available in a full range of elegant colours, perfectly suited for decorative applications. Under the technology brand BALIFOR, the company develops the technologies for tailor-made solutions for the automotive market, and ePD delivers solutions for the metallization of plastic parts with chrome effects. Worldwide, more than 1’300 coating systems are in operation at Oerlikon Balzers facilities and its customers. Equipment engineering and assembly of Balzers' systems are processed in Liechtenstein, in Langenthal (Switzerland) and in Bergisch Gladbach (Germany). Oerlikon Balzers operates a dynamically growing network of more than 110 coating centres in 35 countries in Europe, the Americas and Asia.