CeramTec North America (CTNA) recently announced that it has closed the 2003 calendar year with a successful month and quarter for both sales and earnings. The company reported that December's sales results were more than 15% ahead of forecasted figures. In terms of overall earnings and profitability, 2003 was the best year that CTNA has seen in many years, due in large part to its successful restructuring throughout 2003. Compared to 2002, overall earnings moved from a loss position to exceeding the budgeted performance. "The 2003 CTNA earnings are confirmation that our Progress Through Change restructuring program is enabling success. This represents a magnificent turnaround, particularly for our Laurens, S.C., operations," said Walt Dollman, president and CEO. "We must continue to focus on the necessary changes needed to sustain profitable growth for 2004 and beyond."

The company's website is located at http://www.ceramtec.com.