Fine Chemicals: The Industry and the Business [Hardcover]

Peter Pollak (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470050756 | ISBN-13: 978-0470050750 | Publication Date: March 23, 2007 | Edition: 1

This book is a comprehensive reference on one of the most exciting and challenging segments of the modern chemical industry. It comprises descriptions of the leading fine chemical companies, the products, markets and technologies on a global basis. It serves also as a guide for developing and succeeding in the $60 billion fine chemicals business, which is usually lumped into the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Before taking a step…in the agrochemical or pharmaceutical industry...one should invest a copy of this tightly written 200-page monograph by Pollak…" (CHOICE, December 2007)

"...a highly readable and unique perspective on the fine chemicals industry." (Canadian Biotech News, June 4, 2007)

"...an insightful first-hand understanding...of the fine chemicals industries by one of the field's most prominent authorities." (The Chemical Educator, May/June 2007)

From the Back Cover

An in-depth view of the fine chemicals industry—the products, the markets, the technology, and the key players

Get an insider's unique perspective on the fine chemicals industry, from both a technological and a commercial viewpoint. Employees, suppliers, consumers, investors, students and educators, media representatives, public officials, and anyone else with an interest in fine chemicals will find valuable information and concrete examples to help explain the intricacies of the industry. Author Dr. Peter Pollak, one of the foremost authorities in the field, examines not only where the industry is now, but also where it is heading.

This reference is divided into three parts:

• Part One: The Industry, introduces the technologies underlying the fine chemicals industry and the range of products and services it offers. You will learn about the different types of manufacturers and their plants and facilities. The author also explains the role of research and development and the challenges facing management.

• Part Two: The Business, explores the key markets for fine chemicals, such as the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and animal health industries, and the relevant marketing strategies. You will discover the ins and outs of pricing, distribution channels, intellectual property rights, account management, and promotion.

• Part Three: Outlook, examines trends, including globalization and outsourcing, and forecasts future growth and development by industry segment. The author concludes with a discussion of the prerequisites for success in this field.

If you want a thorough understanding of the fine chemicals industry––the technology, the business, and the future––this book's insight is unprecedented.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience; 1 edition (March 23, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470050756
• ISBN-13: 978-0470050750
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,414,651 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars explains the business, March 1, 2008

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fine Chemicals: The Industry and the Business (Hardcover)

What exactly are fine chemicals? Pollak explains how to distinguish these from commodities and specialities. While no precise definitions exist, these are broad categories readily recognised as such within the chemical industry. In terms of value added, fine chemicals sit between the commodities and specialities.

He then goes on to explain the business. Including management aspects, which are quite different from those of the large chemical firms. The volume of product is much smaller, mitigated by the higher price per kilo. There are also high fixed costs and large amounts of working capital. Though of course the commodity producers share much of these characteristics.

The text also delves into the customer categories. Who do you typically sell to? As well as the geographic regions. And the distribution channels often used. Since a firm in this business might not have the sales volume to justify having many of their own salespeople. So distributors are essential.

5.0 out of 5 stars Insider look at fine chemicals industry, August 28, 2011

By 

Hongyi Wang (Houston TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fine Chemicals: The Industry and the Business (Hardcover)

A brief, accurate and rare insider look at fine chemicals industry.

As a practioner in the industry I found the material to be useful as an all-around introduction. The description of fine chemicals industry's R&D function was almost exactly true to the point by my own experience. The business side is quite educational for a technical person like me.

It should be valuable to everybody in the industry to get an idea of the whole picture and help to understand what the others are contributing in your organization / industry.

3.0 out of 5 stars Very useful, April 14, 2010

By 

Alejandro Lacalle (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Fine Chemicals: The Industry and the Business (Hardcover)

The book covers in a very concise and professional way the key elements of the activity. It includes a very useful scorecard to monitor the performance of a Fine Chemicals' operation.