In existence since 1968, Polykemi AB(Box 14, S-27100 Ystad) is a well known and respected technical and colour compounder. This year the founder of the company, Hugo Jönsson is handing over responsibility for the day to day running of the business to new md, Ola Hugoson. He inherits a business which has enjoyed sustained growth, although results for 1996 were disappointing. Turnover was down SEK 40m to SEK 241m with profit of SEK 12.4m (1995: SEK 13m). The main factor behind this was the difficulty in passing on raw material price increases in a highly competitive market.

Traditionally a colour compounder, the company has recently broadened its product base to include technical compounds. New products were launched during 1996 which promise well for the future. It has also been carrying out investment programmes to replace older equipment with a new Leistritz twin screw extruder and expand its laboratory and offices. At present the company's overseas operations consist of two sales offices in Germany and the Czech Republic. The latter region accounts for 10% of Polykemi sales, but substantial losses in Germany has put a question mark over the continuing operation of Polykemi GmbH (Radestaken 22, D-58706 Menden).

READER SERVICE: Polykemi 1996 key figures (English): PIE-No. 41032 – Company brochure (English):PIE-No. 41033 – Company brochure (German): PIE-No. 41034.