The German machinery maker noted a trend towards larger machines and complete systems

The German machinery maker noted a trend towards larger machines and complete systems

Arburg turnover rose 9% in 2003 to reach E255m as its order book was boosted by domestic sales. The German injection moulding machinery maker said orders were up mainly due to a 16% increase in the number of machines ordered in its domestic market. The increase in order value was 23%.

Arburg said that overall machine orders were up by 3% and rose 10% in terms of value last year. However, the European market suffered an 8% fall in new machines ordered.

Explaining why the sales value rose higher than the number of machines sold, technical managing director Herbert Kraibьhler said there was a trend towards larger machines and complete production systems. He was speaking at the company’s annual technology days, which attracted 3,500 international delegates.

Kraibьhler said: “In February orders unfortunately worsened, so the first quarter equalled the first quarter of 2003. The initial euphoria at the beginning of 2004 unfortunately broke again.” Chairman Eugen Hehl said the UK suffered heavily through movement of production of moulders to eastern Europe. He said France was suffering the same problem but to a lesser degree.

Managing director for sales and controlling Micahel Grandt told PRW.com that Arburg’s capacity utilisation is somewhat below 80% so there will be no further investment in Lossburg until there are better signs of recovery in the market.

Arburg will open a 100%-owned sales subsidiary in China on 1 July. The company has waited before making this move until local laws allowed full subsidiaries to be created. The move is expected to help the company to boost sales in China.