Great Lakes Graphite Inc. announced the formal launch of Great Lakes Innovations, an operating division of the company. This division was established in the third quarter of 2014 in order to pursue specific opportunities in the growing value-added graphite products market, beginning with micronization and purification. The facility is planned to begin commercial operations during the second half of 2015, with a ramp-up to full production by the late 2016.

Refurbishment of the plant is planned to begin immediately with commissioning scheduled to follow, in approximately five months. Through these developments, the Company intends to achieve the following objectives: establish a position in the upgraded graphite products market with North American customers. Create a competitive and disruptive advantage by leveraging existing assets.

Pursue an accelerated timeline to cash flow and revenue by micronizing and upgrading flake graphite, enabled by supply agreements with current graphite producers. Develop customer relationships that will, in the longer term, position the company to pursue off-take arrangements for Great Lakes' 100% owned Lochaber Graphite Deposit, located in SW Québec.