Dätwyler seals automotive, healthcare gains

Altdorf, Switzerland – Datwyler Group increased its first-half net revenue by 7.7% year-on-year to CHF694.1 million, the Swiss company reported 10 Aug.

Earnings (EBIT) margin improved to 13.1%, while the net result rose by 17.3% to CHF62.5 million, the Swiss company added in an interim results statement.

In what it described as “moderate” market conditions, Datwyler noted high demand for its seal components, particularly in the healthcare industry.

The higher earnings, it added, were despite higher raw material prices and set-up costs associated with expansion programmes.

Current projects include the construction of a new ‘healthcare’ plant in the US, which saw first-half investments almost double year-on-year to CHF71.7 million.

“The Datwyler Group has maintained its profitable growth path in the first half of 2018, commented said CEO Dirk Lambrecht.

“The healthy order book in the key market segments of healthcare and automotive as well as some promising acquisition projects should generate additional momentum in the second half of the year,” he added.

For the year as a whole, Datwyler is expecting net revenue of between CHF1,350 million and CHF1,400 million and an EBIT margin within the 12-15% target range.