Turnover Increases by 26 Percent
The business year 2006 was very successful for the Schleuniger Group. Compared to 2005, the turnover has been increased by 26% reaching a record value of 108 million Swiss Francs.
Strong Growth in all Markets
All markets and regions contributed to the strong growth exceeding Schleuniger's own expectations. Sales increased most significantly in Europe (+ 30%) where the main market in Germany developed very dynamically and various major orders could be obtained in Eastern Europe. Asia and America contributed with an almost 20% growth each. Besides a clearly increased willingness to invest, the introduction of numerous new products since the end of 2005 had a positive effect.
Market Success in the Automotive Segment...
The Schleuniger Group achieved significantly above average growth in the automotive sector. Contributing more than 50% of overall sales, this industry has gained sustainable importance for Schleuniger in 2006.
While initially most Automotive sales were fueled by the takeover of German Grote & Hartmann Engineering GmbH (now Schleuniger Automation GmbH) in 2004, this market has been continuously further expanded since then.
... and in the Electronics Segment
With an increase of 26%, sales also developed positively in the for the Schleuniger Group traditionally important Telecom / Datacom sector in 2006. Strong growth rates were seen with stripping machines for coaxial cables where Schleuniger continues to be the leader in the world market. Numerous orders have been placed particularly for micro-coaxial cable processing equipment where the highest precision is of utmost importance.
Profitability Increased
While 2005 had still been affected by the reorganization efforts - especially considering the takeover and integration of the Grote & Hartmann Engineering GmbH - the Schleuniger Group experienced a substantial increase of operating and net profit in 2006. The additional free cash flow now enables further strengthening of the traditionally solid Schleuniger balance sheet management. As a result of the mentioned restructuring in 2005 and 2006, the number of employees decreased by 4 percent to 345 (FTE).
Successful Start in 2007
The new business year has started positively for the Schleuniger Group. Incoming orders as well as turnover are above the corresponding values of the previous year. If the current economic situation remains stable, Schleuniger foresees further moderate growth and expects to exceed last year's record results.
Positive impulses can be expected by product innovations, increased market penetration with fully automated crimping machines and further expansion of marketing & sales activities. In the Asian market, Schleuniger's Chinese Representative Office which has been established in the economic metropolis of Shanghai in 2005 will be transferred into a fully operational trading company this year.
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