(In thousands, except share data) 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17   11. SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company operates in one segment consisting of the manufacturing and marketing of value-added cellulose-based specialty products. All of the Company's products involve similar production processes, are sold to similar classes of customers and markets, are distributed using the same methods, and operate in similar regulatory environments. The Company's identifiable products are chemical cellulose, customized paper cellulose and absorbent products. Chemical cellulose is used to impart purity, strength and viscosity in the manufacture of diversified products such as food casings, rayon filament and acetate plastics, as well as thickeners for food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Customized paper cellulose is used to provide porosity, color permanence and tear resistance in automotive air and oil filters, premium letterhead, currency paper and personal stationery. Absorbent products are used to increase absorbency and fluid transport in products such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products and household wipes and mops. The following provides relative gross sales to unaffiliated customers by product: The Company has manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, Germany and Ireland. The following provides a summary of net sales to unaffiliated customers, based on point of origin, and long-lived assets by geographic areas: For the year ended June 30, 2000, the Company's gross sales by destination were concentrated in the following geographic markets: Europe – 37%, North America – 36%, Asia – 15%, South America – 7% and Other – 5%. 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17