Annual report 2011 - Trelleborg

WE ARE GROWING IN PACE WITH GLOBALIZATION
AND SEAL, DAMP AND PROTECT
Mankind’s endeavor to create a better and safer existence, companies’ efforts
to satisfy customer and consumer needs, and the demand for a clean environment
and sustainable development, create the trends that shape the global conditions
for Trelleborg’s business development.
SIX TRENDS THAT DRIVE
TRELLEBORG’S BUSINESS
Healthcare and life science
Population growth is especially robust in high-growth countries.
Higher life expectancy, a growing percentage of elderly and a
higher standard of living drive the demand for better food,
healthcare and more material welfare for a strongly expanding
middle class in high-growth countries. This trend benefi ts all
of Trelleborg’s segments, particularly general industry and the
growing life science segment. Trelleborg follows customers
in their globalization processes and has an ever-increasing
presence in such countries as India, China and Brazil.
Energy
Restricted access to natural resources requires enhanced effi -
ciency, particularly in the area of energy. Major investments
are being made in the extraction of offshore oil & gas and
alternative fuels and energy sources. As a result of investments
in new exploration projects (Brazil and Western Africa)
and increased maintenance requirements (Gulf of Mexico and
the North Sea) in offshore oil & gas, Trelleborg’s segment in
the same area has a favorable outlook. In addition, Trelleborg
has developed products and solutions for the wind power
industry, among others.
Infrastructure
Strong urbanization imposes heightened demands on new and
improved infrastructure and better housing and transportation,
requiring the expansion of roads, ports, tunnels and bridges.
Tunnel and pipe seals, fenders and harbor systems, solutions
for dredging and damping bearings are examples of applica-
GLOBAL CONDITIONS – TRENDS
tions in Trelleborg’s infrastructure segment, which is becoming
increasingly global.
Transportation
Increasing fl ows of people and goods call for more effi cient
transportation by rail, air, bus and truck and improved inventory
management and transportation equipment. Fuel-effi cient
solutions that comply with stricter environmental requirements
are increasingly important. In this respect, Trelleborg’s antivibration
solutions and industrial tire offering comprise key
components in various modes of transportation.
Agriculture and food
A growing population requires more and better food, with increased
protection and enhanced hygiene in production and
distribution. Larger-scale agriculture tires and a higher degree
of mechanization in high-growth countries require more investments
in bigger tractors and tires. For example, Trelleborg’s
range includes industrial hoses for use in the food industry
and, in the agricultural segment, the Group offers tires that
are adapted for the new generation of tractors.
Water and the environment
An ever-deepening understanding of environmental requirements
and sustainable development gives rise to resourceeffi
cient technology. Limited access to water in many regions
necessitates measures to improve distribution. Trelleborg’s
gaskets and seals used in, for example, engines, can reduce
the environmental impact of these. Polymer tubes and hoses
can save energy compared with alternatives.
GRI: 1.2 Annual Report 2011 Trelleborg AB 19