The Biesterfeld group continued its successful track record of business development in 2017. Based solely on organic growth, the business group grew its corporate sales to EUR 1.2 billion and expanded its operating result to EUR 51.2 million.
As a result of this positive development, Biesterfeld can look back on another record-setting year, consolidating its position as one of the world's leading chemical and plastics distributors. The family-owned business generated its growth largely in European markets, with its home market of Germany being particularly worthy of mention.
Once again, all four operational business divisions contributed to this positive trend. Both the expansion of Biesterfeld Plastic's market shares in Europe and Latin America and Biesterfeld International's ongoing development of international trading activities strengthened the company's consistent record of growth. Biesterfeld Performance Rubber, the company's newest business division, experienced a successful start to its sales activities in Brazil and was able to expand its European product portfolio. Biesterfeld Spezialchemie, which is focused on technically demanding and consultation-intensive solutions, also grew its business in its 13 core sectors and expanded its highly specialized product and service portfolio.
Thomas Arnold, CEO of Biesterfeld AG, explains: "2017 was once again a very successful business year for us. We have our outstanding employees to thank for that, who have used their know-how, commitment, and rich set of ideas to make Biesterfeld what it is today: an internationally successful and highly specialized family-owned company. All 800 employees are following the strategic approach of 'One Biesterfeld' to achieve successful long-term business development."
The first quarter of 2018 has likewise been a successful one for Biesterfeld. This is making the corporate group optimistic that it will be able to continue its success story of past years into 2018, despite persistent geopolitical and industry-specific challenges. Biesterfeld remains focused on its areas of specialization and on expanding its portfolio of products and services accordingly. Thanks to that and its long-term partnerships with suppliers and customers, the distributor is confident that it will continue to operate with expertise, reliability, and success on the international chemical distribution market.