The R&D focus for dryers was to further develop the range of Belt Drying Systems (BDS).  New sizes were developed and an entire new design based on a full concrete casing was successfully introduced to the market with three orders received at the end of 2004.

The new drive system for centrifuges has successfully proven its long-term reliability.  Marketing started in the Second Half of 2004 and resulted in the sale of four centrifuges with the new system.

A medium-term program has started in order to rationalize and standardize the former Andritz, Bird, and Humboldt products.  This program includes modernization of designs as required.  

Research work continued in order to broaden the applications for centrifuges.

A value engineering program has been started to merge the filter press designs of Ritterhaus & Blecher and NETZSCH Filtration.