2 / 2011
| The current market situation |
Another year has passed - faster and more exciting than we could have anticipated.
A lot has happened in the market of adhesive tapes. The adjustment in the number of producers of self-adhesive tapes, already drawing attention by the end of 2009, continued with one manufacturer closing its doors and another halting production because of cash flow. Others who suffered from a tight liquidity position were unable to purchase sufficient raw materials, leading to a reduction in production capacity. Finally, fluctuating economic situations in some European countries proved to be a challenge for other manufacturers.
Market demand could not be met by the remaining manufacturers without extended lead times which led to a supply shortfall for customers in the spring/summer.
At monta, we met the market situation proactively and increased our production capacities through an expanded work schedule. Changing from a five-day to a six-day cycle at the beginning of 2011 certainly helped; however, the lead times were not reduced significantly and we continued to experience a growing back-log. In response, we set the course for a seven-day production run, overcoming several bureaucratic obstacles to accomplish it. As of early October we now produce continuously seven days a week and are thus decreasing back logs and lead times little by little.
Generally speaking the current situation seems comfortable, if not for rising raw material and energy costs as well as pressure from the market regarding pricing policy. With these developments in mind, there are new questions on which to focus: Can the market absorb higher prices caused by increased production costs? How does the market react concerning the shift between PVC and OPP prices? Does the risk of product substitution arise? What solutions and economically sensible alternatives exist and what will the new strategy entail? How will we be affected if another producer of natural rubber self-adhesive tapes disappears?
The answers to such questions are not immediately evident, but result from discussion and analysis with limited speculation. As we enter the New Year, monta remains flexible to changes in market conditions. With your trust and support we will make our best effort to be a powerful and fair partner for you in 2012.
RT
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| monta goes East |
The Eastern European Market is regarded as having growth potential as the economy and wealth are rising continuously and it is in an era of societal change. As managing partner of monta Klebebandwerk GmbH, Johann Amoser explored the idea in the early 1990’s of entering the packaging tape business in an Eastern European country. Why not market the monta philosophy which builds on quality, service and partnership in a country where price has been the only issue that counted?
Accepting the challenge, he founded Fix-Pack Kft. Hungary in 1994 as a “small shop” with the success story that followed being quite unexpected. Step-by-step and with persistence the executive director Janos Molarovics and his team carved out their position in the Hungarian market. Today, Fix-Pack Kft. is one of the most important suppliers in Hungary. Fix-Pack offers the monta product line, supplemented by printed tapes, in Hungary and other Eastern European countries and functions as our platform for the East.
After several relocations, Fix-Pack Kft. bought a 10,000-square meter property in a suburb of Budapest. In 2004 the Fix-Pack team moved into a newly constructed modern building with a thousand square meters of floor area.
After this positive development, in 2009 monta Klebebandwerk GmbH decided to replicate the success story of Fix-Pack Kft. Hungary. Romania was soon the focus among the countries considered due to its rapidly growing economy. The aim was to establish business in a dynamically developing market without great financial risk.
Initially we gained market entrance by selling our tapes via an independent Romanian distributor. When the cooperation with this partner intensified, Fix-Pack SRL Romania was founded at the beginning of 2011. Shares are held by Fix-Pack SRL itself, Fix-Pack Kft. and monta Klebebandwerk GmbH. The sales office and a small warehouse – plans for expansion already exist – are located in Tg-Mures, approximately 120 km from Sibiu in Transylvania.
As in the early days of the venture in Hungary, the Romanian market is not easy to handle and the expectations towards adhesive tapes are rather low: “The main thing is that it sticks and it is cheap.” But with the settlement of multinational companies, the quality requirements increase. With quality, reliable service and partnership, we intend to create a substantial business for packaging tapes even in this hard market environment.
We wish Mr Barna Kovacs, executive director of Fix-Pack SRL, good luck and success in his job. |
| monta production now working 7 days a week |
Since 3rd October 2011 the monta production has been continuously working a seven-day cycle. This important step was prompted by the high order backlog since the beginning of this year, caused by positive economic influences on one hand and changes in the market on the other. The increased order income could not have been managed in a six-day cycle long term. Extended lead times were a given during past months, however, we are convinced that the situation is going to ease soon.
In order to begin the seven-day schedule, production on Sundays and public holidays (during a limited period) had to be authorised by the local administration. Therefore, it was necessary to apply for the consent of the work council who approved the request unanimously.
Additionally, it was necessary to employ more personnel in almost all departments – from the maintenance of the energy supply, production and laboratory to some areas of the administration. With a skilled worker shortage in the area, hiring was not easy but we are pleased to say it was accomplished.
Intensive training for the new hires ensured that the revised schedule would begin as soon and as efficiently as possible. Collaborating with the work council, our staff detailed an ergonomic shift model based on work studies and occupational health knowledge. The model takes into account both the human biological rhythm and economic success.
With these challenges successfully met, we are convinced that this decision has been a positive one. Through increased production periods, we have been able to generate new manufacturing capabilities – all designed to benefit you as our customer.
SF
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| Ten advantages of PVC |
1. PVC secures existing and creates new jobsThe PVC industry is one of the few growth segments in Germany. Some 100,000 employees in PVC production and processing generate annual revenues of Euro 10 billion, a figure that is projected to grow. The industry is also creating new jobs and training opportunities.2. PVC is an economically sound, inexpensive materialGerman consumers would spend some 6,5 billion Euro more annually if PVC were replaced by other materials according to a study by Prognos.3. PVC is an environmentally sound materialPVC production and processing require comparatively few fossil fuels and resources (57% of PVC consists of domestic rock salt available in virtually unlimited amounts, crude oil comprises the other 43%). PVC construction products are light, low-maintenance, long-lasting and are thus environmentally friendly.4. PVC is recyclableRecycling facilities exist for the majority of PVC products, for example window profiles, pipes and fittings, floor covering and roofing, which ensure a full-circle product cycle. 5. PVC is a high-quality, versatile materialProducts made of PVC are resistant to weather, oil and UV radiation. Finished products are flexible or resistant to mechanical shock and can be pigmented in any colour. The versatility of PVC allows it to be used for a wide range of applications with high standards for product quality.6. PVC is well researchedAccording to the government committee "Schutz des Menschen und der Umwelt" (protection of man and the environment) of the German Bundestag, today PVC - with regard to the environment - is one of the most thoroughly researched materials. In its findings, the committee cautions against replacing the material without sound environmental and economical cause.7. PVC is a crucial materialPVC constitutes some 16% of all plastics processed worldwide. It is thus among the essential materials for industry and trade. The main PVC consumers by industry: construction, packaging, electronics, cables, automotive, transport, furniture, office and others.8. PVC is a safe materialPVC burns less readily than the majority of other materials and is thus a factor in fire prevention.9. PVC has no adverse effects on healthToday, PVC production and processing is not a health hazard to workers or consumers. Consequently, PVC is used for medical equipment and engineering, food packaging and transport piping for potable water amongst others. PVC is a crucial factor in modern medicine (blood pumps, blood bags, intravenous tubes, etc. consist of PVC). 10. PVC is a growth productDue to the material's economic and ecological advantages, PVC sales are increasing world wide.
Quelle: http://www.vinnolit.de/vinnolit.nsf/id/EN_Ten_Advantages_of_PVC |
| monta supports Community Project |
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„D’Arge nab“ (translated down the river Argen) is a Lions Club event of the Isny-Wangen chapter that benefits the community.
For the non-locals: The Argen is a river in the Allgäu, Germany. This river is divided into the Upper Argen and Lower Argen, which run on both sides around the town of Isny. “D’Arge nab” is local dialect and simply means “down the river Argen”.
The event was a great success and we were happy to hear that all boats built with monta tape reached the finish line!
LM
The local chapter of the Lions Club sponsors a competition for which individuals or teams construct boats, as mainly self-made boats are permitted, and then race them down the river Argen. Vessels were built and decorated using a variety of materials, such as cardboard boxes, wood, plastic cans, and loads of colourful tape. monta was pleased to donate adhesive tapes for use by participants. |
| At a glance |
New Employees
Ms Barbara Lubos
Since beginning of July, Ms Lubos has supported the sales team as assistant of the sales management.
Her contact details are:
Phone: +49 (0)8323/915-130
E-mail: barbara.lubos@monta.de
Ms Antonie Aichele
Our new trainee Ms Aichele began her apprenticeship in our company as industrial clerk in September.
Mr Markus Menzel
Since September Mr Menzel has been working in our purchasing department.
His contact details are:
Phone: 08323/915-155
E-mail: markus.menzel@monta.de
In addition, we have hired eighteen new workers in the production and maintenance department as a consequence of the extension to the 7-day production schedule.
Employment Anniversaries
This year we congratulate
on 10 years of employment!
on their 25th anniversary of employment!
We thank our colleagues for their enduring loyalty and dedication to monta Klebebandwerk GmbH!
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| Dates |
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As we do every year about this time, we inform you about our holiday operating times around the New Year.
December:
Sales department
Open through Friday, December 23, 2011
Dispatch department
Open through Wednesday, December 21, 2011
January:
Sales Department
Re-Opens January 2nd, 2011
Dispatch Department
Re-Opens January 2nd, 2011
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| Unusual dustomer inquiry | ||||||||||||||||
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We received this uncommon request from far up North via our online inquiry form to which we replied with pleasure:
Last Name: Claus
First Name: Santa Company: North Pole Christmas Shop Address: 125 Snowman Lane, North Pole Telephone: Unlisted Inquiry: Dear Sir or Madam - My business requires a self-adhesive tape with unusual parameters. Low noise is desired by my workers so as not to drown out festive singing. My customers are mostly quite young and therefore, easy release is desired, as well as non-toxicity. Delivery of our goods is in an open sleigh, exposed to temperatures ranging from -40F to 85F with high humidity at points along the delivery route. An odorless adhesive is helpful as the reindeer pulling the sleigh are sensitive to smell and easily pulled ‘off task’. Bright colors – particularly red and green – are preferred, although transparent films are acceptable. Please advise if your product can meet my requirements. Regards, S. Claus
Hello, Santa Claus:
Thank you for your request; we will send you a carton of this special tape for free as we all want to have our Christmas packages packed safely. By the way, can I give you my list of wishes for this year?
Your devotee
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| Christmas thougts |
I'd like to be the sort of friend
that you have been to me; I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be; I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day As you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way. I'd like to do the big things
and the splendid things for you, To brush the gray out of your skies and leave them only blue; I'd like to say the kindly things that I so oft have heard, And feel that I could rouse your soul the way that mine you've stirred. I'd like to give back the joy
that you have given me, Yet that were wishing you a need I hope will never be; I'd like to make you feel as rich as I, who travel on Undaunted in the darkest hours with you to lean upon. I'm wishing at this Christmas time
that I could but repay A portion of the gladness that you've strewn along the way; And could I have one wish this year, this only would it be: I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me." Found by Allison Cobb
Thank you very much for the good, cooperative and trustful collaboration during this turbulent year.
We wish you, your family and your employees a Merry Christmas as well as health and success for the year 2012.
With season’s greetings,
Johann Amoser
General Manager
Ralf Thiemann
Sales Manager
Brigitte Hummel
Sales Manager Export
Leela Moolgaokar
Sales Manager Domestic
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