Whenever there is talk of compounds, masterbatches or additives among European plastics processors, there is an increasing possibility that the name "Hanna" will feature strongly in the conversation. This, at any rate, is the intention of M.A. Hanna International (European headquarters: Dreve de Richelle, 161 B.28, B-1410 Waterloo), which is aiming to strategically expand again within the near future. At a press presentation in Brussels, Garth Henry, Senior Vice President of M.A. Hanna Company (200 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2304 / USA) with responsibility for Europe, underlined the company's ambitious goals: 50% of growth was to come from its own resources, and the other half through specific acquisitions. Responsibility for this lies with Henry Steinmetz at the European headquarters (see Plasteurope.com 08, 1998).

With sales of USD 2.2bn, Hanna is, according to company figures, the world's largest independent supplier of specialty chemicals for the plastics and rubber industry. Its product range includes plastic and rubber compounds, dye and additive concentrates and polymers and semi-finished goods (Cadillac Plastics). A new strategic area of activity involves products for the cable industry. Hanna's basic concept is to be a single-source supplier to the plastics processing industry, to concentrate on the specific requirements of this industry and to supply problem solutions for greater economic efficiency, a strategy which is embedded in the term "Hannability".

In Europe – where the company does not, unlike in the USA, distribute any raw materials – Hanna has production facilities in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, UK, Hungary, Spain and Sweden. In each case, the companies are independent operations which also trade under their own names: Bergmann, CTe, ECC, Melos, Victor and Wilson Color. The fact that they all belong to the Hanna family is to be demonstrated, among other things, when they appear together for the first time on a joint Hanna exhibition stand at K '98 (Düsseldorf, October 22-29).

READER SERVICE: Company portrait information M.A. Hanna International (English): PIE-No. 42637 – Annual report 1997 M.A. Hanna Company: PIE-No. 42638.