The Freudenberg Group

In 2006, research and development by the Freudenberg Group totaled 204.2 million euros. During the year under review, 2,256 associates were employed in research and development throughout the Group, with the regional focus in Germany, where 1,427 associates are involved in research and development. The Seals and Vibration Control Technology Business Area accounted for the largest share of innovation outlay.

Innovation strategy developed further

During the year under review, the Freudenberg Group commenced with the comprehensive realignment of its innovation strategy, setting up the Freudenberg Innovation Committee (FIC) in which all Chief Technology Officers (CTO) from the Business Groups participate. The main tasks of the FIC are to identify key market and technology trends of relevance to Freudenberg and to initiate the corresponding product and technology developments in the Business Groups. To identify the required improvements to Freudenberg's invention and innovation process and to introduce appropriate measures, FIC analyses best practices from other companies and takes its lead from the most innovative companies on the market. Progress is measured by innovation indicators which are standardized throughout the Group.

Innovation culture is to be encouraged by the following binding definition of innovation at Freudenberg: "Innovation is the generation of new ideas and their transformation by Freudenberg individuals and teams into value for our customers and commercial success by means of our knowledge and expertise". The objective is to significantly expand the share of sales generated by new products.

Communication throughout the Freudenberg Group is a key success factor in this context. During the 2006 financial year, the "Innovation Forum", an internal series of events, continued with the presentation of innovation projects in the Vibracoustic (Europe) Business Group. The Innovation Forum was accompanied by the "Developers Round Table" which gives employees from research and development and associated departments a platform for discussion and for building networks.

Supporting young scientific and technical talent is a basic prerequisite for the innovative ability of the Freudenberg Group. The Freudenberg Innovation Committee therefore specifically encourages the career development of such talent and drafts guidelines for cooperation with selected international universities.

Under the "Germany - Land of Ideas" initiative sponsored by the German government and commerce and industry, represented by the German Industry Association (BDI) and leading corporations, Freudenberg was chosen as one of the 365 Landmarks. The companies in the Freudenberg group therefore presented their ideas to almost 2,000 visitors at the Weinheim site on November 7, 2006.

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