The Feintool Group systematically continued its positive business performance between 1 January and 31 March 2013, with the industrial group's sales rising 14 percent year-on-year to CHF 113 million. Order intake was up around 30 percent at CHF 126 million, while the orders backlog grew by more than 20 percent to CHF 207 million.
The Feintool Group benefited from its strong market position and expansion in related processes in the first quarter of 2013. In consolidated terms, the industrial group's sales amounted to CHF 113.0 million - a year-on-year increase of 14.4%. This growth was the result of the forming process acquisition completed in the previous year. In organic terms, sales were down CHF 1.8 million on account of the weaker market environment. Business in the different segments showed a mixed development.
Series production of precision parts gained 28.3% to CHF 83.7 million due to the acquisition factor. This segment is closely linked to manufacturing volumes in the automotive industry. Excluding the acquisition, sales at the System Parts segment were largely on a par with the previous year after adjusting for exchange rate fluctuations. In the capital goods business, Fineblanking Technology's sales rose 10.5% to CHF 25.3 million. For the System Parts segment, the reporting period was nevertheless characterized by high levels of investment in new presses and machines. Business with third-party customers was virtually unchanged year-on-year at CHF 18.5 million. Sales at the Automation Technology business fell by 24.3% overall to CHF 10.9 million - CHF 3.3 million of which was due to the disposal of IMA Automation Berlin. Sales at the continuing operation of IMA Automation Amberg remained largely constant.
Sharp increase in orders received
Order intake increased by a significant 28.0% versus the previous year to CHF 125.7 million. In the parts business, new orders were up 52.9% at CHF 100.9 million. CHF 23.1 million stemmed from the forming acquisition. All regions contributed to the 17.9% organic growth rate, with Asia's share making the smallest contribution due to the weaker Japanese yen. Order intake in the Fineblanking Technology segment declined by 16.3% overall to CHF 22.3 million. This is nevertheless a consequence of the lower orders from the internal System Parts segment. Third-party business rose slightly to CHF 19.9 million. Order intake in the Automation business declined by 61.1% to CHF 4.9 million. IMA Automation Amberg, which primarily operates in Europe, was noticeably impacted by the widespread reluctance to invest.
Orders to last six months
The total orders backlog increased by 21.0% year-on-year to CHF 207.1 million, representing an increase of 8.2% compared with 31 December 2012. While the orders backlog in the parts business rose significantly, thanks largely to the acquisition, the equivalent figure for the Fineblanking Technology segment was down 5.5% year-on-year and in the Automation Technology segment it was 40.5% lower. Fineblanking Technology and Automation have enough orders to last six to eight months.
Optimistic outlook
The new financial year began successfully for Feintool. Overall, we expect a stable level of activity for the sector in global terms. Notwithstanding the uncertainties in Europe, we are cautiously optimistic about 2013. We expect group sales in the region of CHF 480 million and - due to additional development costs for the start-up of new products - an operating margin comparable to that seen in financial year 2012.
Key financial figures in brief
| Figures in CHF | 31.03.13 in CHF m | 31.03.12 in CHF m | Change in % |
| Sales Feintool Group | 113.0 | 98.8 | 14.4 |
| Fineblanking Technology segment | 25.3 | 22.9 | 10.5 |
| System Parts segment | 83.7 | 65.2 | 28.3 |
| Automation Segment | 10.9 | 14.3[1] | -24.3 |
| Orders received Feintool Group | 125.7 | 98.2 | 28.0 |
| Fineblanking Technology segment | 22.3 | 26.6 | -16.3 |
| System Parts segment | 100.9 | 66.0 | 52.9 |
| Automation segment | 4.9 | 12.7[2] | -61.6 |
| Orders backlog Feintool Group | 207.1 | 171.2 | 21.0 |
| Fineblanking Technology segment | 42.8 | 45.3 | -5.5 |
| System Parts segment | 154.6 | 104.1 | 48.5 |
| Automation segment | 20.2 | 34.0 | -40.3 |
[1] Includes CHF 3.3 million sales of IMA Automation Berlin disposal
[2] CHF 2.6 million in orders received
Profile in brief
Feintool is the world's leading technology group specializing in the development of fineblanking systems and the production of precision, ready-to-install fineblanking and forming components, notably for the automotive industry. Feintool maintains close partnerships with its customers across the entire fineblanking and forming process - from component design, toolmaking and system construction through to large-scale series parts production. In addition to fineblanking, the Feintool Group also deploys other key processes such as precision forming and orbital technology, and is the world's only supplier of all-round solutions for the cost-effective manufacture of complex precision components. A further brand in its portfolio is IMA Automation - a leading manufacturer of automated assembly systems.
With its locations in Europe, Japan, China and the USA, Feintool Group is represented in the world's major automotive markets. Headquartered in Lyss, Switzerland, the Group has a headcount of just under 2,000. At its various locations, Feintool provides training at any given time for about 100 young people in a number of skills (multiskilled mechanics, design engineers and commercial trades).
Feintool International Holding AG
Industriering 8
3250 Lyss
Switzerland
Spokes person
Karin Labhart
Tel +41 32 387 51 57
Fax +41 32 387 54 16
Mob +41 79 609 22 02
karin.labhart@feintool.com
www.feintool.com
The press release can be downloaded from the following link:
