In announcing the performance, Dr Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, president and chairwoman of the Trumpf managing board, said: “Even though we were unable to keep sales growth as strong as in the previous fiscal year, this result is still satisfactory in view of the global situation [viz: the economic slowdown in China and Brazil, the sanctions against Russia, and also the strength of the Swiss franc].”
She added that over the past fiscal year, Trumpf had pressed ahead with several targeted investments for the future, including the development of new machines and business models, as well as structural expansion of locations in Germany and abroad.
Within the 3% sales growth figure, some specific markets were highlighted as high performers: Spain and France, where double-digit sales growth was achieved; Germany, which saw a 5% sales growth; plus Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, which saw “significant sales increases”. China saw sales fall 2%, however.
As regards Brexit, this has "not seriously endangered business prospects there [UK] over the long term", the company statement said. “We have been paying special attention to the market ever since the referendum, but demand for our products has so far remained unbroken,” the company president offered. Trumpf in the UK has 90 employees and generates around €55 million in annual sales. Since 2008, Trumpf has had owned UK-based laser maker SPI, which has 300 employees and generates around , around €70 million.
Annette Doyle, managing director of Trumpf in the UK added: “We are now looking to the fiscal year 2016/17 and it has started with a huge challenge, given the new political and economic situation here. Nevertheless, we are starting our new year with a healthy sales level and sustained customer interest.” Year end results for the Luton-based operation confirm a revenue of £40.8 million, slightly below last year’s performance.
The official figures, including the Trumpf’s company's annual profits, are due to be presented at the annual press conference in Ditzingen, 19 October, 2016.
