Following a Record Year in 2008 Gerresheimer Again Sets its Sights on Substantial Grow...(ntial growth for pharma & life scien...)

All the divisions of Gerresheimer AG participated in the substantial sales growth achieved in the past financial year. The business in the pharma & life science markets proved to be particularly stable and high-growth, and today already represents 75% (prior year: 72%) of Gerresheimer's total sales. The continuing high level of demand for RTF(C) syringe systems, which grew by 36% in 2008, made a decisive contribution to this. Another growth contributor was the business in plastic systems, which today accounts for around 32% of the total sales of Gerresheimer AG. In this Division there was particularly strong demand for inhalers for asthma treatment and products for diabetes diagnosis and treatment.

Extensive investment in growth markets

In order to secure future growth in its core pharmaceutical markets Gerresheimer AG invested extensively during the financial year 2008 in capacity expansion programs and new projects such as, for example, the construction of a third facility for RTF(R) syringe production and the build-up of production of insulin pen systems. Investments in capital assets (including intangible assets) during the past financial year totaled EUR107.8m (prior year: EUR98.9m).

Continued focus on internationalization and a wider product range

An important success factor for Gerresheimer AG has been - and continues to be - the consistently implemented strategy of internationalization and focus. In 2008 Gerresheimer again expanded its global presence and thereby also widened its product range. The Brazilian manufacturer of pharmaceutical plastic packaging Allplas (now Gerresheimer Plasticos Sao Paulo Ltda.) and the Spanish company EDP (now Gerresheimer Zaragoza S.A.) which were taken over at the beginning of 2008 were successfully integrated in the Gerresheimer Group during the year. Both companies rank among the market
'/>"/>