Annual Report 2005

44
Research and Development
Approximately 2% of the Group’s turnover was invested in research and development during
the past financial year. The structure and staffing levels in the consumables development division
were not affected by the restructuring program. NESCHEN has laboratories at its sites in
Bückeburg (Germany), Basildon (UK) and Elkridge (USA).
In connection with machine manufacturing, the activities of the development department in
Raalte, the Netherlands were relocated to USA when the plant was closed down. We are also
expecting this consolidation to result in increased efficiency in terms of development and to
spur on the standardised platform strategy for markets in the USA and Europe.
The completion of the restructuring program and organisational improvements to development
activities at the individual sites as well as central coordination of the projects have considerably
reduced times for responding to customer requests.
NESCHEN AG is constantly working on the realisation of customer-specific requirements in all
areas of its business. This is borne out by the numerous projects which have been carried out
such as the expansion of adhesive technology or the development of an anti-bacterial protective
film for books, for example. In 2005, all solvent adhesives had to be technically adjusted
on account of a new order commissioned in Basildon. This specific adjustment was carried
out quickly and successfully without compromising the characteristics of the product. In
spite of the very high level of expenditure in connection with machine manufacturing as a
result of the merging of the two plants, further improvements have been made to the technology
used for the liquid laminating machines.
Large centralized projects were started in 2005 and they are planned to be completed in
2006. These also include products, for example, relating to surface coatings, which will be
delivered within the business unit “Special Products” to markets which NESCHEN has not
catered for before.
Our development activities in the business unit “Documents” are focused on a conservation
procedure for bound archival materials and books. An initial prototype has already been
undergoing tests in the lab and the procedure will now be developed further until it is ready
to be launched onto the market.
The investigation of alternative raw materials for the purpose of optimizing products and also
continuously improving profitability represents an important contribution from the area of
R&D.
The core business of the research department involves intensive work with innovations connected
with adhesives, inkjet coatings and surface finishes.