April 5, 2010

Buhler rakes in US$1.62 billion in 2009

The Switzerland-based Buhler Technology Group achieved a turnover in 2009 of CHF1.721 billion (US$1.62 billion), and increased its profit adjusted for exchange rates despite restructuring costs and goodwill write-offs.

Buhler faces the current fiscal year with confidence. The order backlog as of the end of 2009 amounted to CHF962 million, which is 7% above the level of the previous year.
 

Almost all business units in the basic foods segment grew. On the other hand, the weakening of non-food activities, which had already emerged in the final quarter of 2008, continued in the year under review.

In geographical terms, markets developed along widely varying lines. Sales growth was strongest in South America (+10%) and Africa (+7%). Asia also developed very encouragingly. East Asia grew 29%, followed by India (+10%), China (+8%), and Southeast Asia (+4%).

 
North America suffered a contraction in sales revenue of 6%. In Western Europe (-19%) and Eastern Europe (-12%), turnover dropped sharply due to the reluctance of customers to invest capital.
 

Buhler was therefore forced by weak demand to adjust its capacities in Europe and especially in Switzerland to the shrinking business volume or to move capacities to the growing regions and corporate units.

In the year under review, EBITDA reached CHF182 million, which compared with 2008 corresponds to a slightly higher margin of 10.6%. Profits rose by 3% to CHF104 million (US$98.1 million) thanks to a good financial result, and adjusted for exchange rates by 5%.