Annual Report 2010

This pleasing result shows that the path we took through this phase was the right one. We took specific actions, responding quickly and appropriately to the crisis. All of our capacity adjustment projects were concluded in this reporting year and are now demonstrating their full impact. At the same time, we have steadily pursued our successful strategy. Our important innovation projects were continued as planned, and some of them were finalized.

In September 2010, for example, our proprietary new technology for solvent-free coating of double-sided adhesive tapes was officially launched at the tesa plant in Hamburg-Hausbruch. The new technology paves the way for us to enter completely new, attractive business segments in the industrial sector, such as the construction and solar power industries.

The cleanroom production unit that was also built at the Hamburg plant is currently undergoing the official process to obtain authorization to manufacture pharmaceutical products. After the process is concluded, in the first half of 2011, we will be free to begin production of drug patches and oral films – both innovative ways to administer medications – for the pharmaceuticals industry. We have also strengthened our structures in the growth regions by engaging in additional projects. Examples include the official dedication, in June 2010, of a new converting center in Chennai, India, aimed at supplying the fast-growing local electronics and automotive industries with customized product solutions, along with the establishment of a new central warehouse in Singapore and the integration of our affiliates in Asia into a uniform SAP system that is harmonized with the European version. Our goal is to further improve customer service in the booming region of Asia and provide our innovative products to the central markets quickly and efficiently.

The interaction of all of these strategic elements – creation of fast, highly flexible processes; consistent investment in new, groundbreaking business segments and technologies; and expansion of market-driven structures in the growth regions – helps to bolster tesa’s long-term competitive edge and forms a strong foundation for future growth.