01/05/2009 14h49
Lanxess sales increases sixfold in three years
Gazeta Mercantil 01/05/2009
Every turn of year is the time for the traditional balance of the achievements and projects that were left in the backstage. At the end of 2008, a period marked by a big world crisis, Lanxess considers it accomplished its goals and is ready to start 2009 with an integrated and rationalized structure. The manufacturer of chemicals and synthetic rubber - which are used in several products from rubber slippers to car parts - ended last year with an estimate local income of US$ 1 billion, almost six times more than the US$ 168 million registered in 2005, when it reorganized its operations in the region. The amount is already equivalent to 10% of the international income and takes into account the assets of Brazilian Petroflex, duly integrated in 2008. The acquisition of the synthetic rubber manufacturer is included in the investments of €380 million made by Lanxless last year. According to Marcelo Lacerda, the president of the company in Brazil, the figures are an evidence of not only locally but globally overcoming of the difficulties, since Lanxless had a very high international indebtedness and needed to improve its performance in all regions. Lacerda affirmed that the company is strengthening the bases for a long-term sustainable expansion. In order to do so, the company should carry on its strategy, keeping long-term investments, focusing on some businesses and leaving behind those that fail to achieve the expected profitability. For 2009, Lacerda said he believes Brazil has some comparative advantages that may help overcome the difficulties of the market, but it should not experience the world problems undamaged. Due to that, the company is already working with a possible fall of 15% in its activities. The executive also affirmed that, since it is a well-organized company, Lanxless does not consider the dismissal of employees for the time being. According to Lacerda, the crisis has a good side, nonetheless, because it makes assets cheaper, and that allows prospecting businesses both locally and globally. One of the world giants in chemical specialties with sales of € 6.61 billion in 2007, Lanxess currently has 15,200 employees spread in 21 countries. The company is represented by 41 production units all over the world. In Brazil, it has nearly one thousand employees, including those from Petroflex, in the company units located in the cities of São Paulo (SP), Porto Feliz (SP), São Leopoldo (RS), Triunfo (RS) and Cabo de Santo Agostinho (PE).
