Competitive world-class chemicals operations
With sales of over 20 billion euros in 2000, the Chemicals activities of Atofina are a key sector for the Group.
In its three core businesses - Petrochemicals and Plastics, Intermediates and Performance Polymers, and Specialty Chemicals - investment and research are the two driving forces behind targeted growth in the most buoyant sectors. Backed by strong positions that rank it among the world leaders, TotalFinaElf's Chemicals operations have all the necessary industrial and human resources to consolidate its competitiveness and its positions.
2000 results
In first-half 2000, Atofina, the Group's Chemicals segment benefited from favorable economic conditions that included sustained activity in Asia and Europe and continued growth in the United States. The second half of the year saw the beginning of a slowdown which impacted on some sectors, in particular Polymers. Chemicals also had to face a major rise in the price of raw materials, which could only be partially passed on to customers.
Both sales and operating income posted strong increases, up 21% and 37% respectively over 1999. These figures marked signifi-cant progress in a drive for sustainable growth, globalization of activities, and implementation of synergies between the various businesses.
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