Our Business

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Our Business [Abstract]

Our Business

1. Our Business

Ferro Corporation (“Ferro,” “we,” “us” or “the Company”) produces performance materials for a broad range of manufacturers in diversified industries throughout the world. Our products are classified as performance materials, rather than commodities, because they are formulated to perform specific and important functions both in the manufacturing processes and in the finished products of our customers. We use inorganic and organic chemical processes, polymer science and materials science to develop and produce these performance materials. Performance materials require a high degree of technical service on an individual customer basis. The value of our products stems from the results and performance they achieve in actual use. We manage our diverse businesses through eight business units that are differentiated from one another by product type. We have grouped these units by their product group below:

Polymer and Ceramic Engineered Materials	Electronic, Color and Glass Materials
• Polymer Additives	• Electronic Materials
• Specialty Plastics	• Glass Systems
• Pharmaceuticals	• Performance Pigments and Colors
• Tile Coating Systems
• Porcelain Enamel

We produce our products primarily in the United States (“U.S.”), Europe-Middle East-Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America.

We sell our products directly to customers or through the use of agents or distributors throughout the world. Our products are sold principally in the U.S., Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America. Our customers manufacture products to serve a variety of end markets, including building and renovation, solar power, electronics, automobiles, appliances, household furnishings, packaging, industrial products, and pharmaceuticals.