Freudenberg Research Services

Freudenberg Research Services accounts for some 6 percent of the approximately 140 million Euro earmarked for research and development at Freudenberg. However, the company’s significance in terms of R&D is much larger. Freudenberg Research Services is the technology “nerve center” of the Group, developing materials, manufacturing technologies, methods and products on commission from Group companies. Some 10 percent of total sales come from companies outside the Freudenberg Group. Under a young researchers program, Freudenberg Research Services recruits university graduates in scientific and technical disciplines who then move to other companies in the Group after a three-year period.

Sales growth of just over 1 percent in the 2003 financial year is almost exclusively due to an increase in business with companies outside the Freudenberg Group.

Under the “We all take care” initiative, Freudenberg Research Services conducted a holistic risk assessment for safety at all workplaces in line with EU Directives.

Freudenberg Research Services expects a slight rise in sales for the current financial year. However, it is difficult to anticipate whether the forecast economic upswing will have an effect on the volume of internal development contracts at Freudenberg. Freudenberg Research Services expects to see a further rise in sales from business with external customers.