Saltigo optimistic for growth of agrochemicals segment

Saltigo GmbH is looking back on a highly satisfactory business performance in 2012 and is also in an optimistic mood as regards 2013. "We have many projects in the pipeline for this year," said Saltigo Managing Director Wolfgang Schmitz in the run-up to this year's InformEX USA tradeshow. "Customers in our key business area agrochemicals in particular are currently expecting the positive market trends to continue," added Schmitz..

Safeguarding food supplies for the growing world population and changes in eating habits in emerging markets are resulting in sustainable growth for both innovative and established active ingredients. Saltigo marketing manager Joerg Schneider therefore believes that agricultural active ingredients will also remain an increasingly interesting growth segment: "For instance, new combinations of well-known and tried-and-tested active ingredients in innovative formulations allow our customers to respond quickly and very flexibly to new challenges such as regional weather conditions or the emergence of resistances." For a custom manufacturer such as Saltigo, the ability to offer this flexibility provides an important competitive edge in this market segment.

Targeted investments will also ensure that Saltigo continues to enjoy an optimal position in the dynamic custom manufacturing market. The company plans to invest a total of around EUR 20 million through 2015 to create additional capacities for solids isolation at four facilities at its integrated site in Leverkusen. Technologies such as crystallization, filtration and drying play a key role in the manufacture of active ingredients and intermediates with similar properties to active ingredients, and demand for these looks set to rise. These investments will benefit Saltigo's technical capabilities.

Saltigo GmbH is a leading supplier in the field of custom synthesis, headquartered in Langenfeld and with production facilities in Leverkusen and Dormagen, employs around 1,400 staff worldwide.