In Russia Henkel opened its first chemicals plant over ten years ago. The company is not in a hurry to open here cosmetics production, bringing it about 30 percent of the profit. The Henkel concern has for several years keeping an eye on the Russian cosmetics assets but, so far, none is yet meeting its basic criteria - quality of production and a big chunk of the market.
Meanwhile, the Russian market is strategically important for Henkel and it will dynamically develop here. If somebody wants to buy a company for that, the Henkel management will consider the possibility, Mr. Lener says.
Now, actually every car-maker in Russia - Ford, GM, Avtoframos (Renault), Avtodor (Kia), AvtoVAZ, KamAZ, Oka and GAZ - are using Henkel structural adhesives, sealing pastes and surface-cleaning agents.
"I'm convinced that Russia is the nucleus of the post-Soviet space and the economic contacts of all the ex-USSR republics with Russia are still strong. This is why Russia is for Henkel a platform for promoting business in adjacent countries", says the chairman of the Henkel Group board of directors.
Henkel operates in four market segments - washing and cleaning agents, cosmetics and personal hygiene agents, household adhesives, sealing pastes, industrial adhesives, surface-cleaning agents. Henkel has 140 works world-wide. In 2004 Henkel Group's turnover was 10.6 billion euros, profit increased by 8 percent to 544 million euros. In Russia the company owns four plants - Henkel-Era Leningrad region), Henkel-South (Saratov region), Henkel Plastic Car Components (Samara region), Henkel-Pemos (Perm).
