Lonza Charts Ways To Continue Strong Growth Pattern

Abstract

Lonza Inc., the U.S. chemicals arm of Swiss aluminum, chemical, and packaging conglomerate Alusuisse-Lonza, has sustained an enviable sales growth record over the past four years despite the recession. It has accomplished this feat through its emphasis on selective acquisitions, along with careful and deliberate internal growth. Lonza executives say they hope to continue this growth in sales—up an average of 9% annually since 1987 to $330 million in 1991—with more acquisitions and more internal growth. They Noetzli: over half of products are countercyclical also plan to increase research and technical service to customers, a move that critics say is overdue. Sales of most chemical companies have lagged since 1989, but Lonza has taken deliberate steps to grow despite the recession that also has crimped the performance of parent Alusuisse-Lonza's worldwide aluminum mining, smelting, and parts manufacture. For instance, Lonza acquired intermediate fine chemicals manufacturer Cyclo in Los Angeles in 1990, and...