Technical polymers activities of the former HoechstAG (HQ: D-65926 Frankfurt) now trading as Ticona GmbH (Lyonerstr. 38, D-60528 Frankfuert) performed well in 1997, the first year as an independent business, despite a decline in operating profit. While sales rose 10% to DEM 1.5bn, profit was 18% lower at DEM 160m. Net income totalled DEM 107m. Including non-consolidated Japanese affiliate Polyplastics Ltd, sales were DEM 2.2bn. Ticona chief Bernd Sassenrath said a comparison with 1996 is distorted by special charges inherited from Hoechst, including DEM 32 for US litigation over defective sewage pipes. The operating side also was affected by the 1996 transfer of fluoropolymers to the Dyneon joint venture with 3M. Adjusted results show an increase of around 16%.

Ticona said polyacetals (POM) increased sales 15% and earnings were "clearly positive," thanks to a good economy for plastics processing in Europe. In the US, competitive pressure for standard products was compensated by higher growth in specialities. Price pressure due to intense competition will be confronted with a "greater focus on speciality grades and target markets." Capacities are being expanded in all major markets. Volume sales of nylon 6.6, operated solely in North America, rose 15%. Capacity rose 10% in 1997 through debottlenecking.

The Performance Polymers business unit, comprising polyesters, liquid crystal (LCP) polymers, polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) and long fibre-reinforced thermoplastics, saw 20% sales growth. "Double digit" volume growth continued last year for LCP polyester "Vectra". While price pressure continued to dog PPS, debottlenecking measures lifted capacity and pushed sales. Output of long fibre-reinforced thermoplastics rose to 2,500 t/y in the US and Germany. Site requirements are being evaluated for a new North American plant for ultra high molecular weight PE, which improved 1997 sales 10%.