LANXESS Basic Chemicals business unit renamed

The LANXESS specialty chemicals company has given its Basic Chemicals business unit a new name: Advanced Industrial Intermediates (AII). The new name establishes a direct link to the product portfolio, which includes advanced intermediates for numerous branches of industry, and it emphasizes the unit’s applied know-how in manufacturing and supply. Furthermore, the name underlines the business unit’s association with the LANXESS Advanced Intermediates segment, which generated sales of over EUR 1.3 billion in fiscal 2010.

The Basic Chemicals business unit has repositioned itself in the last two years. It now focuses on the further development of complex production processes and on technological expertise. Its main areas of activity are the agriculture, personal care, automotive, plastics and coatings customer industries. For the purpose of representing this position outside the company, the business unit’s name has now been adapted to its product range and changed to “Advanced Industrial Intermediates”.

According to Dr. Hubert Fink, head of the AII business unit, the new name is another milestone in shaping a promising future for his business unit. “Successful developments have occurred over the last two years. Acquisitions in India and China have changed the face of our business unit. Inside the company, adipic acid business has been shifted from the Semi-Crystalline Products business unit to us. In addition, we succeeded in quickly recovering our economic strength after the global economic crisis.”

“The Advanced Industrial Intermediates business unit is an innovative manufacturer operating worldwide,” said Board member Dr. Werner Breuers. “The new name clearly states what the business unit stands for: advanced intermediates for industry. The new name will further strengthen AII’s position and serve as fertile ground for continued growth.