Construction Chemicals – Degussa begins investment drive

Over 15 million euros for powder production in Europe

Degussa AG, Dusseldorf, is preparing the ground for further profitable growth in its Construction Chemicals Division. The Management Board has given the go-ahead for an investment program in the Construction Systems Europe Business Unit to the tune of over 15 million euros. The investment is to be used over the next three years to further expand the powder production capacities of Degussa Construction Chemicals at five sites in Western and Eastern Europe.

„It means we are consistently exploiting the opportunities in our European growth markets“, comments Andreas Köllreuter, Head of the Construction Systems Europe Business Unit, referring to the continued upward business trends in countries such as France, Italy and the Czech Republic. Degussa is already achieving double-digit growth rates in some of these areas – and now it intends to significantly expand and improve its offer once again. Apart from achieving greater proximity to the customer, the priority is to make logistics more efficient, meaning shorter response and transport times when delivering products.

The business unit currently operates production facilities at 13 sites for repair mortars, tile adhesives and grouting mortars. Now, as part of the investment drive, two new sites are to be added, further strengthening the production network. There are also plans to replace an old facility at the Ham site in Belgium with a completely new construction. At the Eastern European facilities the investment drive will concentrate primarily on expanding existing capacities.

As the global market leader in specialty chemicals, Degussa uses its innovative products and system solutions to create something indispensable for its customers’ success. It’s an approach we sum up in our claim of „creating essentials“. In fiscal 2004 its 45,000 employees generated sales of 11.2 billion euros, and operating profits (EBIT) of 965 million euros.