Henkel reports U.S. sales, organic growth surge

DUSSELDORF, Germany, and ROCKY HILL, Conn. — Henkel's 2010 sales grew 11.2% to nearly $20.8 billion during the year, the company reported in its financial earnings release.

Henkel's North American sector also experienced strong growth, garnering $3.75 billion in sales for the year, an increase of 7% from 2009. The company also noted that organic sales growth totaled 3.5%, mainly boosted by its adhesive technologies, although sales of the laundry and home care and cosmetics/toiletries business sectors declined.

In the United States, Henkel introduced several new products, including Purex Complete crystals softener, which infuses fibers with long-lasting fragrance, as well as expanded its Dial brand lineup. Henkel also unveiled an updated logo and new slogan earlier this month. Prior to this, the logo design was last updated in 2002.

“The economic conditions remain challenging, especially in view of the highly competitive environment in which we operate, and rising raw material costs," Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted. "We will continue to respond quickly and decisively to changes in our markets and continue the transformation process in our company."

Looking ahead, Henkel expected to achieve organic growth of between 3% and 5% and a rise in adjusted earnings per share of around 10%.