2008 was a good year for WACKER, although we – like many other companies – felt the impact of the global economic crisis in Q4. We once again set new sales and earnings records, and WACKER’s investments rose to over €1 billion for the first time in its history. This enabled us to significantly advance our growth strategies in all business segments.
In 2009, the entire world faces major challenges that will be difficult to master. Despite the global downturn, the Group is standing by its long-term growth plans. After all, we are not faced with a structural problem, but rather are suffering from a cyclical decline in demand. This is why we are optimistic about WACKER’s future. The major megatrends from which we profit remain unchanged.
In 2009’s first issue of WWW, we provide some examples of how WACKER takes optimum advantage of these trends. Efficient building insulation is becoming increasingly important. Two reports from Cairo and Damascus highlight the solutions we can offer. An article on cyclodextrins shows how – thanks to a new, cyclodextrin-based technology from WACKER – fruit can remain fresh for months during storage. Plus, our “Market-Oriented Research” article provides you with insights into what the Group is currently developing at its research labs.
