The fundamental data leave no doubt about it - this year will again be marked by economic uncertainties around the globe. But aside from this macro-economic assessment, the Hennecke Group is looking optimistically into the current business year. We base this view on our broad product portfolio on the one hand and continuously high R&D investment on the other. In the global marketplace, Hennecke needs not fear comparison given the rising importance of polyurethane-based products, not just in high-growth business segments. What we have been observing in recent years is that PU demand in many industries does not necessarily follow their general economic trend. Moreover, diversification is the magic word – not many materials are so much "at home" in diverse industries and applications and new fields of use are being added all the time. This does not mean, however, that Hennecke products and technologies will become a "self-selling commodity". Lasting success in the marketplace can only be achieved by those who take efficiency and innovation seriously, combining existing solutions with new design concepts, and who remain firmly focused on customer requirements. Our continued further development of proven technologies in slabstock production (see p. 10) and tailor-made solutions for sophisticated cast elastomers (see p. 4) are just two cases in point. In order to benefit from and build on these competitive advantages in the global arena, we rely on a broadly based and ever-growing network of subsidiaries and cooperation partners. This is perfectly illustrated by the inauguration of a new site of our Chinese subsidiary, HMS (see p. 14), and by the establishment of a Brazilian subsidiary, Hennecke do Brasil (see p. 18). All this provides us with sufficient presence to keep on convincing the world's fastest growing markets - and in fact, all markets in the world – of the merits of our products and services, in line with our commitment to support our customers all along their way. In this spirit, I hope you will enjoy reading this latest issue of Hennecke Innovations!

Alois Schmid
Managing Director Technology