CERATIZIT Deutschland GmbH is securing its hard metal production through its own raw material supply. The company is thus addressing persistent supply chain risks for critical raw materials such as tungsten and cobalt, which are needed for wear parts on construction machinery and tools. Through vertical integration, the manufacturer wants to make itself more independent from global supply fluctuations – a strategy that is increasingly gaining importance in German industry. Hard metal components are used in drill bits, bucket teeth and road milling machines, among other applications, where high service life and wear resistance are required.