Hutchinson takes top non-tyre slot

ERJ staff report (DS)

London - Total sales in 2009 of the top 50 non-tyre rubber companies fell by 17 percent to an aggregate $48 760 million. This compares with $58 900 million for the year 2008.

Clearly the recession had an impact on the rubber industry, though some felt the impact more than others.

Of the top 10, Freudenberg Group suffered most, dropping by over 30 percent in rubber sales, to $2313 million from $3312 million a year ago. This performance was reflected in a drop to 8th position in our table from 5th.

The best performer in the top 10 was NOK, which saw rubber sales fall by less than 3 percent, to $2384 million. This contributed to a jump from 10th position to 5th in our world ranking.

Freudenberg and NOK are closely aligned through various alliances around the world.

Outside the top 10, West Pharmaceutical, SSL International and Top Glove all recorded higher sales in 2009 than 2008. All three companies are involved mainly in the medical sector, reflecting the resilience of that industry in contrast to automotive companies.

The recession has therefore had a significant impact on top companies, with those most exposed to the automotive sector falling down the table and those with less exposure rising.

1. Hutchinson S.A.
2. Trelleborg A.B.
3. Continental A.G.
4. Bridgestone Corp.
5. NOK Inc
6. Tokai Rubber Industries Ltd.
7. Tomkins P.L.C.
8. Freudenberg Group
9. Parker-Hannifin Corp.
10. Cooper Standard Automotive

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