“We continued, for a second consecutive year, to see a high number of customers purchasing more complex solutions,” says managing director Lee Moakes.“There was also very strong growth in bending, especially automated bending.
“Trumpf is now providing its most comprehensive package ever to ensure its customers get the best return on their investment,” he adds. “We’ve also increased our technical service capacity by more than 15% this year, enabling us to be prepared for the further growth.”
Overall, the Trumpf Group recorded a renewed increase in sales in the 2018/19 fiscal year, which ended on 30 June 2019, while orders received and profits declined slightly. Sales rose by 6.1% to €3.78 billion, but orders received decreased to €3.68 billion (a reduction of 3.1%). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to €349.3 million, which was 34.7% percent below the previous year’s figure.
Revenue for the Machine Tools division, specifically, rose by 1.2% to €2.39 billion, while the Laser Technology division posted revenue of €1.38 billion, 2.1% below the previous year’s level.This decline was attributed to the slowing Asian market, in particular China and South Korea, as well as the automotive industry’s reluctance to invest.
Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, Trumpf president and chair of the managing board, says: “Operating in the investment goods sector means we’re particularly exposed to the impact of cyclical highs and lows, as is currently the case. Given the uncertainty resulting from the US-China trade conflict and structural changes within the automotive industry, many customers have become more cautious and are postponing investments.”
