Order intake record set in Q1 for StarragHeckert

In comparison to Q1 2006, StarragHeckert increased the quarterly order intake, which is usually subject to considerable fluctuations, by CHF49.2 million to CHF89.4 million. Bookings doubled due to increased market shares and positive economic climate in all regions and target markets. This resulted in a backlog of CHF117.6 million (+ 45% to CHF81.1 million per 31 December 2006). In order to satisfy the increased demand, various initiatives were implemented to increase capacity. This included maximum utilisation of the flexible working hour policies in the Chemnitz, Geneva and Rorschach plants as well as head count increases in permanent and temporary labor positions. Part of the Rorschach production will be moved to the Geneva plant. The Chemnitz plant reactivated 3,000 m2 production space, which was until recently used for different purposes. StarragHeckert Rorschach plans to enlarge production space by 2,000 qm, utilisable from Q4, subject to approval by the local authorities. Capital expenditure of CHF5 million has ben made. StarragHeckert expects a further positive development in bookings and sales for full year 2007. StarragHeckert includes production plants in Rorschacherberg, Switzerland (Starrag); Chemnitz, Germany (Heckert); Geneva, Switzerland (SIP) and Haddenham, UK (TTL), as well as sales and service companies in China (Beijing and Shanghai); USA (Cincinnati, KY, Dallas TX and Laguna Hills, CA); France, the UK and Russia.