GrafTech International Ltd. has announced two new Northeast Ohio locations for its global headquarters and innovation and technology center. The company previously announced its decision to relocate its headquarters and redesign its R&D function in September 2014 as part of its ongoing cost savings initiatives to improve profitability and competitive positioning. GrafTech's global headquarters will relocate to Independence, Ohio and will house approximately 50 employees working in the Company's corporate functions, including finance, legal and human resources.

The decision to downsize corporate functions by approximately 25% has enabled the relocation to a smaller, more cost effective, corporate headquarters. The newly established Innovation & Technology Center will be located in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio and will include scientists, lab technicians and marketing professionals focused on driving innovation to support new product development. The redesigned R&D function will be focused on commercializing next generation technologies in carbon and graphite material science.

The transition is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2015.