The Bühler Group developed positively in 2018. All businesses grew organically. Haas was successfully integrated and contributed to the company’s success. The newly established business pillar Consumer Foods shall strengthen the group’s strategic position. The new Cubic innovation campus is nearing completion.

We are satisfied with the 2018 overall results”, said Bühler CEO Stefan Scheiber recently during a media conference on the presentation of the new innovation campus Cubic at the company’s headquarters in Uzwil/Switzerland. “Volumes developed well, but profits were below our objectives. Despite risks such as trade conflicts, we are well positioned with our portfolio and our global organization, and look to the future with confidence.”

As a result of combined organic and acquisitional growth, the group with more than 13,000 employees increased its order intake by 17 % to CHF 3.3 bn and its turnover by 22 % to CHF 3.3 bn. For business unit Grains & Food, turnover grew by 9.2 % to CHF 2.2 bn, for Advanced Materials by 5.6 % to CHF 705 m, and Haas contributed CHF 373 m.

The 2018 business year was also characterized by a gain in market shares. Ebit increased in absolute terms by 13 % to CHF 231 m, which represents an Ebit margin of 7.1 % (previous year: 7.6 %). Net profit grew by 9 % and reached CHF 188 m (pre-vious year: CHF 173 m).

Following the successful integration of Haas in 2018, Bühler decided to strengthen its leading position in the consumer foods market with the cre-ation of a new strategic pillar starting in 2019. With the new Consumer Foods business, the family owned company will increase its focus on this important global growth market. From the very beginning, this step generated positive momentum among employees and customers. “This encouraged us to accelerate the full integration and new setup of our food businesses,” said Stefan Scheiber.

Since January 2019, Consumer Foods stands alongside Grains & Food and Advanced Materials. Under the leadership of Germar Wacker, now CEO Consumer Foods, Haas achieved CHF 382 m in order intake and CHF 373 m in turnover. This represents the best result in the history of Haas, driven mainly by the Wafer and Biscuit business units.

Investments in the asset base rose to CHF 118 m (+18 %), driven by spending on the new Cubic innovation campus and application centres, the ongoing modernization of the Swiss locations, and the ramp-up of sites in China. In addition to the acquisition of Haas and US-based Sputtering Components Inc., the funds were used for the development of new digital technologies and process solutions, as well as for strengthening the innovative capabilities.

The Cubic innovation campus in Uzwil is nearing completion. The official inauguration of the fully operational campus is scheduled for the end of May. The Cubic combines research and development with seven renewed application centres, which will be available to customers for conducting tests and trial series together with Bühler. The considerable investment of about CHF 50 m over a period of three years underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, technology, and the workplace Switzerland.