Freudenberg Chemical Specialities

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 “Pretty good, but not overwhelming – that is the essence for FCS in the fiscal year 2023,” Filip Krulis, FCS CEO says. “We again performed well, but slightly missed the figures of the record year 2022”, he adds. “Supply chain issues, still persisting, raw material availability problems and rising prices, higher energy cost, continuing regulatory challenges, the decline of some of our core industries and political uncertainties triggered by several conflicts in the world, kept us busy.” Anyhow, all five FCS Business Units performed well in almost all regional markets and industry segments. However, a lack in volume growth in certain segments prevented the FCS group from exceeding the 2022 record year figures. With total sales of well above € 1.4 b (slightly below 2022 results) and a still convincing profitability  the Business Group met most of its own projections, at least in its main market segments and regional markets. “Our organic growth could have been better, no doubt. Admittedly, a good portion of our turnover growth results from price increases, this is also part of the story”, Krulis stated. “But taking into account that we heavily suffered from negative exchange rates we have also shown our resilience against unfortunate conditions and we have prepared ourselves by adding up to our businesses with meaningful acquisitions.” Krulis said. The company has taken measures to secure its future by investing in matching add-on acquisitions strengthening its market position. “We again have proofed that customer orientation is one of our key strength. Our offerings in the area of sustainability and digitalization gained further ground and helped us to further differentiate from other market players. The integration of the newly acquired businesses progressed rapidly, which is a great achievement, driven by our teams in the Business Units.” The FCS group employs about 4,000 people and has extended its global footprint again with now operating from more than 90 locations in over 40 countries.   #fcs #innovatingtogether 

“2024 is a year giving reason to celebrate – irrespective of any desired economic successes. It is the year in which our parent company Freudenberg is looking back to 175 years of company history”, says Filip Krulis, CEO FCS. A really, really long time which requires entrepreneurs to repeatedly proof special capabilities. It is not about only surviving but about durable prosperity. “Our parent company Freudenberg is probably different than some other enterprises that have a nimbus of being so-called rising stars”, Krulis says. “Steady, sometimes certainly cautious and careful but always reliable and durable development, faith in its employees, partners and customers are just some valid reasons for the company’s longevity, no doubt”, he adds. But there is more. One fundamental recipe is the ability to remain curious, maintaining an open mind, exploring new opportunities - always based on solidity, financial stability and a robust framework of values and principles forming the base for the entire Freudenberg entrepreneurial acting. “And yes, persistency if things do not work as expected from the beginning is certainly part of the company’s credo as well”, he says. The same qualities apply to the Business Units of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities. Their exceptional growth over the last 20 years demonstrates that they take Freudenberg as a kind of role model for lasting success. “We are invited to celebrate with Freudenberg and to also preserve ourselves open minds to continuously improve”, Krulis says. #fcs #innovatingtogether #curioussince1849 #freudenberg175 

𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐓𝐞𝐜 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 “In the last years we have taken measures to extend the portfolio of the FCS company SurTec through matching acquisitions”, says Filip Krulis, CEO Freudenberg Chemical Specialities. “Now, SurTec has acquired the Italy-based company Aluservice srl. in Lainate and thereby consequently implements its strategic plan to sustainably strengthen its market power,” he adds. Aluservice is specialized in research and development as well as the distribution of chemical specialties for surface treatment of alloys made of aluminum, zinc, steel and iron. The range includes products for aluminum anodization, aluminum coating processes, electroplating of ferrous metals, and coating of other metals. “The acquisition of Aluservice is a further step forward in our strategy for the Italian metal surface treatment market” says Dr. Fulvio Lamberti, CFO of the SurTec Group. SurTec joins forces with a player of high reputation in the market and thereby further improves the value delivered to its respective customers. “Aluservice has been developing its own formulations for chemicals, processes and technologies for 40 years. All products are designed with the goal of combining the highest quality required by the market with economic efficiency, which is exactly the approach of SurTec,” says Karsten Grünke, CEO SurTec Group. #SurTec #FCS #acquisitions #aluservice

𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐕𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦-𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 “At Chem-Trend, sustainability starts with innovation, and we have been integrating sustainability into our business model since our inception, ” states Michael Tambasco, global sustainability officer, Chem-Trend. “It is therefore not a surprise that CT got the Ecovadis gold award,” he added. “It is nice to see that our commitment is acknowledged by the ECOVADIS standing 2023,” says Filip Krulis, CEO Freudenberg Chemical Specialities. This recognition places Chem-Trend in the top 5% of all rated companies, highlighting the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. EcoVadis, a globally trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluates companies based on their performance in crucial areas, including environment, ethics, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement. #ChemTrend #FCS #Sustainability #EcoVadis

𝐊𝐥ü𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐮𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 2023 The Freudenberg Chemical Specialities company Klüber Lubrication has won the European Responsible Care® Award presented annually by Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council. The market leader for specialty lubricants was recognised in the category “Climate Neutrality” for its project “Climate Protection by Solvent Replacement” and for its Climate Action Plan. “The laudators particularly emphasized the ambitious concept, the occupational safety narrative, the well-structured climate plan, the fact and figures provided and the clear elaborated communication with the employees,” says Filip Krulis, CEO FCS. “It again demonstrates that the companies of the FCS group are taking their responsibility as a good citizen seriously,” he added. Thanks to new solvents in production, Klüber Lubrication has been able to significantly reduce its Scope 1 CO2eq (eq = equivalent) emissions in recent years. “We managed that through the close cooperation of Research and Development, production and other departments”, explains Markus Hermann, sustainability manager of Klüber Lubrication.” #KlüberLubrication #FCS #lubricants

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦-𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 We are delighted that the FCS company Chem-Trend has extended its already robust portfolio through the #acquisition of the #Mavcoat™ brand of mold release products from #Maverix Solutions, Inc.,“ says Filip Krulis CEO Freudenberg Chemical Specialities. Developed and distributed predominately in the United States, the Mavcoat™ brand of products are known for strong performance within challenging #molding applications in the polyurethane, rubber, rotational molding, advanced composites, and thermoplastics processing industries. Through the acquisition, Mavcoat™ products will be integrated into Chem-Trend’s product portfolio and global manufacturing footprint, enabling local supply and service. “Mavcoat™ is a valuable addition to the Chem-Trend portfolio and reinforces Chem-Trend’s commitment and dedication to serving the industry,” said Samuel Dethloff, vice president, corporate business development, Chem-Trend. “It’s an advantage for our customers to be able to come to one place, get exceptional local customer service and technical support, and have access to a vast array of high-performing products,“ Krulis adds. #innovatingtogether #fcs #mavcoat

CAPOL honored for outstanding innovation „The FCS Business Unit CAPOL has again demonstrated its outstanding innovative capabilities and was honored with the World Confectionary Supplier Award during the recently held World Confectionary Conference in the UK“, says Filip Krulis, CEO Freudenberg Chemical Specialities. VIVAPIGMENTS® White, part of the CAPOL line of natural color pigments providing an exceptional alternative to titanium dioxide (TiO2), has been awarded. „VIVAPIGMENTS® White forms an innovative whitening agent empowering manufacturers to achieve excellent coverage in coatings, especially for hard-sugar panned confectionery products“, says Peter Hantl, CEO CAPOL. “The development of VIVAPIGMENTS® White is a great demonstration of how CAPOL utilizes its many years of know-how from the confectionery industry. Well done”, Krulis added. “This award is a great recognition of the outstanding work of our R&D and Application Technology Teams”, Hantl said. #innovation # FCS #confectionary