Jon Hastings
European General Manager, Packaging and Building Materials

This issue of power@work e-magazine seeks to inform as many of our customers as possible about some new and truly exciting product and technology developments. But before you begin reading, I have some information that all of our adhesives and sealants customers should welcome.

Ask any business analyst to identify the most important operating strategies required of successful 21st century companies and you can be certain that innovation and timeto-market will be at the very top of their ‘must-have’ lists. Analysts, economists, top corporate executives, business scholars, and others have long agreed that innovation is a premier strategy for success. Our business model has long focused on innovation, especially within the adhesives marketplace. It has enabled us to achieve the #1 or #2 market positions we enjoy in nearly every segment of the global adhesives and sealants business. It continues to deliver innovations such as high-speed seals for retort packaging, top-performing water-based PSAs that replace traditional solvent adhesives, and uniquely engineered solventless products that address increasingly important environmental goals of our customers and their downstream users.

Yet, welling up from those of us deep in the throes of managing real-world business operations is the acknowledgment that along with innovation, time-to-market plays a critical role, too. In fact, today, time-tomarket has reached the zenith of winning business strategies. People who deal directly with customers know it to be the ‘master key’ that unlocks new business and sustains and grows existing business. Customers realize that partnering with companies that deliver both innovation and rapid time-to-market typically breeds significant benefits for their organizations. Time-to-market can often be the top corporate differentiator, especially for companies that seek sustainable leadership positions.

A Strategic Shift
So it is particularly timely that beginning this year, Rohm and Haas implemented its Vision 2010 Initiatives with far-reaching benefits to customers. In essence, our company is making a strategic shift to a regional business structure that streamlines business planning and decision-making in order to focus Rohm and Haas resources squarely on the unique needs of each customer. It’s a move to speed our time-to-market, since the initiative places decision-making, implementation, and full responsibility for customer support as near as possible to every customer.

Among many actions taken to bring Vision 2010 to life is the re-casting of three former internal business segments — adhesives, functional polymers and plastic additives — into a rich new resource, the Packaging and Building Materials unit. Personally, I am thrilled to be part of this effort, and I would like to share with you what it all means.

First, it means that Rohm and Haas research, technical services, customer care, production and product delivery — the very heart of our business — will now be at our customers’ doorsteps. Whether you need technical information, on-site trouble-shooting, formulating support, or customized product and delivery, our newly streamlined structure brings it close at hand.

Second, it places our support teams in the hot-spots of global growth. Whether in North America, Asia, Latin and South America, or in my case, Europe, our people are tasked with establishing superior products, technical support and service for customers. And, they have the responsibility and authority to make that happen.

Third, it roots our advanced research and technical support efforts firmly in the regions in which we operate, so that these vital customer support activities and the people who implement them for our customers are nearby and keenly aware of the detailed needs of customers within their sphere. If you haven’t already felt the difference, you soon will and you’ll be very pleased with its impact for your business. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tell you about it.

News About Products
Now, on to my earlier promise of truly exciting technology and product developments!

In this issue, our power@work spotlight focuses on key findings that impact PSA systems for all types of bonding, plus, how our Morstik™ solvent rubber adhesives are winning converts in tough tape applications. Those involved in packaging laminations should be sure to click to the article entitled Pack Expo Sends a Strong Message, to see that packaging lamination technology for medium-performance adhesives has a very promising water-based future.

All of us involved in packaging have spent significant time in recent years planning for REACH. Now that it is a reality affecting more than 30,000 chemical substances, you’ll want to be sure to know the latest by reading how this will impact the flexible packaging industry.

I am also pleased to report that this issue includes the third installment of our series on the global automotive industry. This segment outlines Europe’s shifting role and details trends using some enlightening data.

This and every issue of power@work e-magazine is prepared with our customers in mind, so never hesitate to get back to us with your thoughts, your questions and your comments. You can reach us easily at poweratwork@rohmhaas.com. One of our people located near you will be sure to get back to you.