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Ciba Specialty Chemicals' emphasis on research and development and ruthlessness in cutting not so promising projects is paying off for the company. Elaine Burridge reports
Cuckoo clocks and army knives are not the only innovative products that Switzerland has introduced to the world. Just ask Ciba Specialty Chemicals. Its plastics additives and pigments could be the , 'secret' ingredient in anything from floor and roof membranes, toys and Wellington boots, to food and drink packaging.
Located in Basle, where the sun is said to shine more often than in most other parts of Switzerland, the company is focusing hard on research and development (R&D). It commits about 5% of sales to support R&D, which it says is high compared to others in the industry.
But Brendan Cummins, head of Ciba's plastic additives division, demands value for money. 'We want to have at least one-third of our core products as new products, fully patented, and constantly being renewed,' he states. 'We are in the high 20s at the moment and we want to get above 30% within five years.'
Cummins is merciless in his quest. 'We have become ruthless and we cut projects if we...