Lonza reports net income increase of 51.6%
A review of strategic options has been finalized and the Board is confident about the future.
The company wrote that after completion of the efficiency improvement and cost reduction program started in 2003, Lonza successfully rebased its business to reflect current market conditions in 2004. While the custom manufacturing activities continued to face a challenging business environment, the other operations had to contend with high raw material and energy prices.
The Lonza statement ruled out a restructuring of operations, something that had been widely expected in the market. Instead, the company said it would concentrate on its life sciences market, where it already earns 60 per cent of its income. “Fundamental restructuring is not required,” Lonza stated, although it added that it aimed to build up business in the healthcare, nutrition, personal care, hygiene and agricultural markets.