Metalor Technologies, commonly known as Metalor, is a global company with Swiss origins that specializes in precious-metals refining, advanced coatings, and electrotechnics. Founded in 1852 in Le Locle, Switzerland, the company initially focused on gold smelting and watch case manufacturing. Today, Metalor operates as part of the Japanese Tanaka Precious Metals / Tanaka Kikinzoku group 1. The company employs approximately 1,500 people worldwide across three principal business divisions: precious-metals refining, advanced coatings, and electrotechnics 2.

For readers in Singapore, Metalor holds particular significance as it operates the country’s first and only LBMA-accredited gold refinery. This facility underscores Singapore’s role as a major hub for physical gold trading and precious-metals logistics in Asia.

At a glance

Metalor functions primarily as a materials and precious-metals technology company rather than solely as a bullion dealer. Its operations span several stages of the value chain, from metal recovery and high-purity refining to the creation of industrial materials and specialized technological applications 3.

The company’s activities include:

• Refining: Processing gold, silver, platinum, and palladium from primary and secondary sources.
• Recycling: Recovery of precious metals from industrial scrap and other streams.
• Production: Manufacturing investment bars, powders, grains, salts, alloys, and catalysts.
• Coatings: Applying thin layers of precious metals for conductivity, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance.
• Electrotechnics: Producing electrical contacts and components for electronic applications.

Advanced Coatings

The Advanced Coatings division involves depositing very thin layers of metals onto substrates to impart specific properties such as electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and improved reliability for electronic components. This segment represents Metalor’s evolution from traditional bullion processing into modern materials engineering.

Electrotechnics

Metalor’s electrotechnics business focuses on precious-metal materials used in electrical applications, particularly electrical contacts. Gold, silver, and other precious metals are utilized for their superior electrical and chemical properties. The company’s history in this sector includes the establishment of its Courville facility in France in 1963 for the production of silver electrical contacts.

Early Years (1852–1918)

Metalor’s origins trace back to 1852 with the establishment of Martin de Pury & Cie in Le Locle, Switzerland. Located in the heart of the Swiss watchmaking region, the business initially concentrated on smelting and rolling gold for watch cases. In 1864, the operation was acquired by Banque du Locle, marking the beginning of its long association with the banking sector.

Transformation and Refining (1918–1960)

A significant shift occurred in 1918 when Banque du Locle was taken over by Société de Banque Suisse (SBS). The factory expanded into bullion production for banks. In 1924, Metalor established what it describes as Switzerland’s first precious-metals refinery, producing high-purity gold, silver, and platinum.

Key milestones during this period include:

• 1926: Development of a white-gold/nickel alloy as a platinum alternative for luxury watches.
• 1934: Metalor became the first Swiss refinery included on the London Good Delivery List, connecting it to the international institutional bullion market.
• 1936: The company adopted the name Métaux Précieux SA Metalor.
• 1938: Establishment of a dedicated scientific research division.
• 1939: Expansion into precious-metal dental alloys.
• 1947: Relocation of headquarters and factory to Neuchâtel.

International Expansion (1960s–Present)

Post-World War II, Metalor evolved from a Swiss refinery into an international materials company. During the 1960s, it began expanding globally, establishing operations in France, the United States, and later in Asia. By the 2000s, manufacturing operations were underway in China, and refineries were set up in Hong Kong and Singapore. Coating activities were developed in Japan and Korea.

Ownership Changes

• Banking Era: For approximately 134 years, the business remained a subsidiary of Swiss banking institutions.
• 1998: Metalor gained independence following restructuring, with control acquired by private Swiss investors led by Ernst Thomke.
• 2001: The corporate name changed to Metalor Technologies.
• 2009: The company was sold to the French private-equity firm Astorg Partners.
• 2016: Tanaka Kikinzoku, a major Japanese precious-metals company founded in 1885, agreed to acquire 100% of Metalor. This merger combined two long-established entities in the precious-metals industry.

Singapore serves as a strategic node in Metalor’s Asian network. The company established a gold refinery in Singapore which commenced operations in the 2010s. Metalor identifies this facility as the first and only LBMA-accredited gold refinery in Singapore.

This presence aligns with Singapore’s development as a center for:

• Physical gold trading
• Precious-metals logistics
• Financial services
• Asian commodity markets

The refinery allows Metalor to maintain proximity to one of Asia’s most important precious-metals markets, facilitating efficient supply chain management for regional clients.

Modern precious-metals companies face scrutiny regarding the origin of their raw materials. Metalor states that its refining division utilizes eligible primary and secondary sources, emphasizing traceability, responsible sourcing, social standards, environmental standards, ethical supply chains, and due diligence. The company reports working with professional partners that comply with recognized international standards.

Additionally, Metalor participates as a founding member of the Swiss Better Gold Association. Its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aim to establish a resilient and transparent precious-metals supply chain.

While historically described as a Swiss company, Metalor is currently owned by the Japanese Tanaka Precious Metals / Tanaka Kikinzoku group. Tanaka itself has a history dating back to 1885 and operates in sectors including electronics, automobiles, communications, energy, and semiconductors.

Metalor continues to operate under its own brand within the Tanaka group. Current operations are located in:

• Switzerland
• France
• United Kingdom
• Singapore
• China
• Taiwan
• United States

The Swiss operations remain central to the group’s refining and technology activities, reflecting the company’s heritage.

Metalor distinguishes itself through a combination of traditional precious-metals expertise and advanced industrial technology. Unlike companies that specialize exclusively in mining, bullion trading, or jewellery, Metalor operates across a broad technological chain involving:

Precious metals + refining + metallurgy + chemistry + coatings + electronics + R&D.

This integrated approach serves customers in both the traditional luxury sector and high-technology industries. The company’s hallmark, an “MP” inside an inverted triangle, dates from the early 1950s and signifies its long-standing identity in the precious-metals market.

Metalor is a Swiss-founded, globally operating precious-metals and materials-technology company established in 1852. It is best known for high-purity precious-metals refining, bullion production, advanced coatings, and electrotechnical applications. Since 2016, it has operated as part of Japan’s Tanaka Precious Metals group. For Singapore, Metalor represents a key infrastructure provider through its LBMA-accredited refinery, supporting the local and regional precious-metals ecosystem.

1. Our History – METALOR
2. Metalor official website
3. About Metalor – METALOR