DSM NV presented the conclusions from its early, mid-term evaluation of the Vision 2010 – Building on Strengths strategy. DSM accelerates the shift to a life sciences (Nutrition and Pharma) and materials sciences (Performance Materials) company. As a consequence, DSM initiates a divestment program for those businesses which do not fit with the strategic thrust. DSM Special Products will therefore be carved-out and divested, during the course of the Vision 2010 period, to a new owner for whom there is a stronger strategic fit and under whose ownership it can prosper further.

DSM Special Products is the producer of Purox and VevoVitall, ingredients used in food, pharma, animal feed, as well as in a range of industrial applications. At the same time, DSM Special Products announced that it will expand production capacity in the face of strong demand for Purox, in particular for plasticizers, as well as VevoVitall. “Production capacity is fully loaded at the moment”, says Bas van Buijtenen, business unit director of DSM Special Products. “We are working on the engineering of expansions, which we plan to bring on stream in the course of 2009. Total output will be increased by then by 30% compared to early 2007”. The expansion plans underline DSM’s commitment to continue all efforts to fulfill its ambitions with customers and suppliers whilst discussion on the strategic future of DSM Special Products is ongoing.

About DSM Special Products

DSM Special Products produces Purox B (a building block for plasticizers, resins and many other applications), Purox S (a trusted preservative), VevoVitall (a feed additive reducing ammonia emissions in livestock rearing), as well as benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol, 2 versatile fine chemicals used amongst others in pharma, flavours and fragrances, and construction materials. It is the global leader in most of its activities and operates the largest facility of its kind in the world in Rotterdam (The Netherlands).