Freudenberg Politex offset the effects of the strong Euro by stepping up exports of roofing materials from the USA to Europe. Business in America was weak in the first half of the year. In Western Europe the market continued to tighten, while developments on markets in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia were positive. In wadding, the markets showed different trends in a general scenario of strong competition. While the market in Poland recovered, the Italian market continued slow.

In these difficult conditions, Freudenberg Politex reported a rise in sales of approximately 5 percent and a further strengthening of its position as the leading manufacturer on the world market for polyester-based roofing materials. In the 2003 fiscal year, a new line in Novedrate for the production of nonwoven fabrics of spunbonded polyester reinforced with fiberglass filament was completed, further strengthening the company’s position on East European and Asian markets. Work on the construction of a new spun bonding plant at Pisticci began during the year and will be completed in 2004.

Occupational safety under the “We all take care” initiative was given high priority at Freudenberg Politex. Zero accident status was achieved at the Macon (USA) and Lodz (Poland) facilities. An outstanding “We all take care” project was launched at the Colmar (France) plant. The project under the motto “Occupational safety concerns us all … especially me” generated high motivation for safety at work among the plant’s associates.

The scenario for 2004 is one of increasing competitive pressure. Freudenberg Politex will strengthen its marketing activities on emerging markets in Eastern Europe and Asia and bring new products to market. Freudenberg Politex expects higher sales in 2004.

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