Who wouldn't want to be ahead of the times? As a provider of machine and plant technology for processing a material as dynamic as polyurethane, this wish has already been a reality for Hennecke for decades. For us, our self-understanding involves not only adapting existing applications to market requirements, but also identifying new applications and consistently exploring the latest technologies. The PUR-CSM technology is an example of this. Even before the turn of the millennium, Hennecke recognised the importance of lightweight construction solutions, a concept that has now long been part of our everyday language thanks to the industry-wide energy efficiency paradigm shift. The commissioning of the 100th PREG plant globally for the manufacture of automotive load floors (see page 4) is a special anniversary here and shows us that this approach is a success for our company and likewise for our customers. We lay the foundation for this and many other technologies in our in-house TECHCENTER. Here, together with customers and raw materials suppliers, we develop applications starting with the initial trials, through to test runs and finally up to readiness for series production, so that the products can then successfully be placed on the market. One such example is the company's success story UNIROR, which produces pigs for pipe cleaning with polyurethane high-pressure technology from Hennecke (see page 8). To make sure this success continues over the long term, we also accompany users after this stage with our know-how and optimum on-site support from application specialists and trained service personnel. This is ensured by a seamless service network which we are continuously expanding, particularly in growth markets. As in the case of our Mexican subsidiary Hennecke México, which, with the change in company location, is considerably strengthening its customer service business alongside its service portfolio (see page 18). As you can see, the focus of our current customer journal is on important investments in the future, because we can only be successful in the long term if our customers become, and remain, market leaders in their areas. We'll leave the crystal ball to other people.

Alois Schmid,
Managing Director Technology