Bühler ‘significantly increased’ its R&D investments in the last year and continued with ongoing investments in its global asset base worth CHF 71 million (€66.58 million), according to its full-year results.
The company, which manufactures a variety of food processing technology, recorded net profit of CHF 143 million (€134 million) and CHF 2.45 billion (€2.3 billion) profit – a 2% increase on the year before.
In line with its strategy of operating ‘in the region for the region’, Bühler also invested substantial sums in 2016 to enter new markets, develop decentralised applications centres and further expand and update its global manufacturing network.
Eight new service stations were added to the global network for a total of 92 locations with 60 workshops. This move further increases Bühler’s proximity to customers. In Vietnam, a new factory for rice equipment was opened. New regional applications centres were established, for example, in North America, and construction of a new production site in China is already underway. And in Switzerland, where Bühler is based, the company launched a modernisation programme.
In the coming year, it is set to capitalise on growth potential in insect processing in particular.
According to Bühler’s CEO, the results are a good return considering the Swiss Central Bank’s decision to abandon an exchange rate control designed to keep the value of the franc at little more than €0.83. The franc surged to more than €1 overnight, and is still worth €0.94 today.
Stefan Scheiber said: “For a company based in Switzerland, 2016 marked a real proof-point considering the euro/Swiss franc shift a year ago. In this context, we can be satisfied with these results.
“We can look positively into the future. Taking our solid foundation into account, and notwithstanding potentially fluctuating market conditions and regional developments, we are well positioned to increase growth and profitability in 2017 and the years to come.”
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