Wolff Walsrode AG (PO Box 1515, D-29655 Walsrode), a Bayer Group company, achieved a new record in 1997 with its sales increasing 6.7% to DEM 747m (700m). This success, however, stems virtually exclusively from earnings abroad. At the balance-sheet press conference, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Meissner, Chairman of the Board at Wolff Wolfsrode explained, "we have steadily increased our export share to 55% over the past few years. But this does not mean the development is now complete." The pre-tax result rose 18.8% to DEM 43.6m (36.7m) while the annual net profit stood at DEM 22.3m.

Apart from planned investments in cellulose chemistry, expansion of the film business is also to be stepped up. Acquisition of the film division of Elf Atochem Deutschland GmbH (PO Box 300152, D-40479 Düsseldorf), which is currently being negotiated following the declaration of intent in March (see Plasteurope.com 08, 1998), would give Wolff Walsrode a stronger market position in Europe and the USA, in particular, and also provide easier access to Asian customers. The product programme takes in PU-based film and hot-melt adhesive films primarily for automotive engineering, as well as breathable films for textiles and hygiene articles. According to Wolff Walsrode, acquisition of Atochem's film business would take in sales of some DEM 35m. 1997 Annual Report of Wolff Walsrode AG, with further details on the course of business: PIE-No. 42621.