At the "Degussa Meets Science" event held in Dusseldorf, Germany last week, Degussa AG, of which Degussa Health & Nutrition generated sales of € 1,1 billion in 2000, showcased its performance in the area of research and development to scientists and science journalists.
"The intention of this event, which we are holding for the first time, is to intensify our dialogue with universities and expand our research network," remarked Degussa Management Board Chairman Prof. Utz-Hellmuth Felcht.
As Dr. Alfred Oberholz, Board Member responsible for Research and Development, explained, "We see innovations as pivotal to Degussa's success. Combined with modern management methods and above all the creative and enterprising spirit of our employees, our wealth of technological know-how provides us the best prerequisite for making Degussa a driving innovational force."
The fields described consisted of organic, inorganic, macromolecular chemistry and process technology, as well as the work done by the cross-Group Nanomaterials, Biotechnology, und Catalysis Project Houses.
Degussa is involved in about 700 cooperative research undertakings all over the world, whereby about 4,400 of its employees are engaged in research and development at over 40 locations. The R&D budget of the Group amounts to €360 million.
In 2000 the company generated sales of EUR16.9 billion and earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) of EUR1.2 billion.