Dear reader,

With the summer holidays long gone, diaries have filled up again with lots of autumn and winter to-do’s. It is no different at Ansell. Everyone is working hard to achieve the goals outlined for the coming months: continually enhance existing solutions and launch new ones, deliver outstanding customer services, strengthen the ties with all of you during regular visits and trade fairs, and much more.

But let me, before expounding on today and tomorrow, first take a minute to look back on the past. Fiscal year 2008, which ended last June, was a very good year for Ansell. The company was happy to welcome many new customers, from an increasing number of new countries, and continual efforts in R&D resulted in a good number of product launches. That Ansell’s dedication to innovation, quality and customer- intimacy is a sound approach, was also confirmed by Ansell’s partners who were all happy to continue their partnerships with Ansell.

For the new fiscal 2009, Ansell wants to stay true to its founding mission: to be a trusted partner that provides reliable, innovative and high-quality solutions and services that provide optimal protection and comfort. To achieve that aim, Ansell cooperates closely with specialist associations. After all, frequent contact with the users of medical gloves is a great way to keep the finger on the pulse of their changing needs and wishes. Their feedback is a great source of inspiration. As are the feedback, reports and studies from independent experts.

Scientific studies on the comparison between Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) and synthetic gloves, for example, are at the root of a recent Ansell whitepaper on the topic. Read the summary in this In Touch! Elsewhere in this issue, you will discover how 2008 tests with the scientifically-developed FITkit® testing method have demonstrated ‘undetectable’ allergen levels in the popular Gammex® range of surgical gloves. Clear proof that Ansell is on a continual quest to protect you to the max!

In the mean time: enjoy reading this brand new edition!

Werner Heintz
Sr Vice President & Regional Director Europe, Ansell Healthcare