Freudenberg India sales grow 17% in 2012

“With this positive business development, our companies in India have yet again made an important contribution to the overall success of the Freudenberg Group,” said Dr. Jörg Matthias Großmann, Regional Representative India of the Freudenberg Group and Chief Financial Officer of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities at the press conference in Bangalore.

“Freudenberg successfully held its ground in a particularly challenging market environment.” The significance of India as a strategic growth market is underscored by the opening of the new Regional Corporate Center in Bangalore which will support the continued development of Freudenberg’s companies in India.

Furthermore, with its latest decision to invest Rs. 6 crores into a new EagleBurgmann manufacturing operation for non-metallic expansion joints in Chennai, the Group underpins its intention to foster engagement in the region.

Global Development of the Freudenberg Group

World-wide, the Freudenberg Group recorded sales of around Rs. 43,655 crores in 2012. This represents a year-on-year increase of around 5.3%. Profit from operations (EBIT) increased by 4.1% to Rs. 3,715 crores.

New Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center in Bangalore, opened

Following the press conference, Freudenberg opened its new Regional Corporate Center in Bangalore. This represents a further important strategic milestone. “Our objective is continued profitable and sustainable growth. With regionally-located corporate functions, the Corporate Center ensures that important know-how is available to all Freudenberg’s companies in India. This is especially true of Human Resources Management and Innovation Management,” explained Dr. Großmann describing the Center’s most important responsibilities.

“Through the Center, Freudenberg is opening Group-wide career opportunities to its management in India.” The Regional Corporate Center will also support Freudenberg’s Ten Indian Companies in the fields of finance and insurance, as well as communication and infrastructure.

To meet customers’ increasing requirements in India, the Freudenberg Group has continued to train and attract highly-qualified employees. “Anyone who sets themselves ambitious targets, needs highly-motivated, well-trained and team-oriented employees,” Dr. Großmann continued.

We have already rolled out one important HR initiative in 2012 in the shape of the global talent management process that spans all the Business Groups. The growth market of India will especially benefit from this.” With the program, Freudenberg fosters local talent in all world regions, building up a pool of qualified employees who safeguard Freudenberg’s innovation leadership in their respective markets.