In the first nine months of the 2006/07 financial year, the Lyss-based Feintool Group - a leading technology and systems provider and a globally operating components supplier - posted a 2.1% rise in sales year on year, bringing the consolidated total to CHF 381.6 million. With order intake (CHF 446.3 millon, +14.1%) and orders in hand (CHF 236.6 millon, +32.4%) both at a high level, the outlook is good both for the full year and for the next financial year.
The upward trend continues in the Fineblanking/Forming Segment. There have been further improvements in the capital goods sector (especially in Europe) and in both Europe and Japan for parts and component manufacturing. Despite harsh market conditions in America, attractive new contracts were landed here too. We have succeeded in winning new, market-leading customers through active market development in the technology and presses sector and by focusing our components business on complex application areas such as seat adjustment mechanisms, automatic gearboxes, braking systems, etc.
The Automation Segment successfully embarked on important projects involving automated assembly systems for existing and new customers in the 3rd quarter. All operations are working to full capacity on orders for established and new applications in the automobile industry and other areas (e.g. cosmetics packaging and photovoltaics). Also on track are the assembly components and riveting systems sectors.
The new management in the Plastic/Metal Components Segment is engaged in realizing its strategic goals. Improvements in efficiency and quality are being sought through further training and motivation of the workforce (among other measures). Cooperation with key customers has been intensified and improved. However, it has not quite been possible to match last year's results owing to the continuing unsatisfactory situation in Thailand. Mühlemann AG in Biberist is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary at the end of August.
Bright outlook for the full period and for next year
Thanks to a good order intake (CHF 446.3 millon, +14.1%) and a strong order book (CHF 236.6 millon, +32.4%) it is quite possible that we will end the current financial year on 30 September with stronger sales and with our operating result at almost the same level as last year. Moreover, the new projects already implemented provide a promising basis for the coming financial year, allowing the Group to continue on its sustainable growth trajectory.
For further information, please contact:
Jürg E. Wenger, CFO, phone +41 (0)32 387 51 11
Feintool is a leading technology and systems provider in fineblanking/forming and assembly automation. It is also a global supplier of metal and plastic components.
Feintool operates throughout the world at the company's own facilities in Switzerland (head office in Lyss), Germany, France, Italy, Britain, the United States, Japan, China and Thailand, where around 1800 employees are committed to customer satisfaction.
Feintool International Holding
Industriering 8, CH-3250 Lyss
Phone +41 (0)32 387 51 11
Fax +41 (0)32 387 57 81
Head of
Corporate Communications
Urs Feitknecht
Phone +41 (0)32 387 51 63
Fax +41 (0)32 387 54 16
Mobile 079 204 41 13
The media release can be downloaded from the following link:
