Kirn, 13 May 2020. "We are currently experiencing a health crisis that is also giving rise to tremendous challenges within the economy. It is good to see that companies in Rhineland-Palatinate are also using their crisis management to drive forward the digital transformation and embrace the issues of climate protection and sustainability in a targeted manner. SIMONA AG is a prime example," said Minister President Malu Dreyer during her visit to the Kirn-based company.

Drawing on its rich tradition, the company is a leading manufacturer of thermoplastic products, with production facilities and sales offices around the globe, as well as an acknowledged development partner within this field. During her visit, the state premier informed herself in particular about the manufacture of products that can contribute to the containment of the coronavirus pandemic: they include transparent sheets for hygiene and protection screens, such as those installed at counters and checkouts or those used as partitions. The Minister President thanked the company for adapting its production to the strong demand for hygiene protection screens and for donating numerous sheets to hospitals or the Kirner Land trade initiative. "This spirit of cooperation distinguishes Rhineland-Palatinate's economy," emphasized Minister President Malu Dreyer. Providing flexible and creative solutions, companies throughout Rhineland-Palatinate had helped to make living and working together possible while observing precautionary measures such as social distancing and hygiene.

In conversation with the Management Board, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the Head of the Works Council, the state premier also discussed current developments at the site in Kirn as well as the company's strategic ambitions. As a plastics-processing company, SIMONA AG is particularly committed to making a strong contribution to environmental and climate protection. For many decades now, the company's PVC sheets have been manufactured without any hazardous lead stabilisers. Additionally, 98 per cent of the waste material produced as part of the manufacturing process is returned to the production cycle. "Sustainable production is one of the hallmarks of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and many companies are committed to high environmental standards," said the Minister President. "This also makes them an attractive proposition for youngsters seeking vocational training, such as that offered here in Kirn by SIMONA AG, who have received multiple awards for their apprenticeship and staff development programmes."

"An important element of our culture and strategy is to create benefits for society. Our durable products help to make chemical plants safer, enable the supply of clean drinking water and contribute to the reduction of emissions through their low weight. In the broad field of application of SIMONA there are many more examples of the sustainable and intelligent use of plastics. We take responsibility for the environment. We are actively involved in numerous initiatives to reduce plastic waste or prevent it from arising in the first place, to establish material cycles or to promote recycling materials. Several years ago, we launched SIMOGREEN, our very own product line based on bioplastics," said Matthias Schönberg, CEO of SIMONA AG.

SIMONA – Global Thermoplastic Solutions
SIMONA AG is one of the leading manufacturers of thermoplastic products, with production facilities and sales offices around the globe, as well as an acknowledged development partner within this field. The company's portfolio includes semi-finished products (sheets, rods, profiles, welding rods), pipes and fittings. SIMONA employs approx. 1,400 people worldwide. The Group manufactures 35,000 products in Germany and abroad, offering best-in-class solutions tailored to a wide range of applications: in the chemical processing industry, in the water, energy and commodities supply sector as well as in the field of mobility, construction and environmental technology. Annual production exceeds 120,000 tonnes. SIMONA AG is a stock corporation listed in the General Standard. The company's registered office is in Kirn, Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany).