Datwyler adjusts to automotive decline, notes strong demand elsewhere

Altdorf, Switzerland – Datwyler has reported a “high workload” across most of its operations, but “capacity adjustments” at its automotive product plants in response to the Covid pandemic. 

The “healthcare and food & beverage businesses and online distributor Reichelt have high order volumes and capacity utilisation,” said the Swiss group’s 8 April update. 

These three businesses together account for more than 60% of net revenue from continuing Datwyler operations. 

The healthcare products plants, it said, are part of essential manufacturing activities worldwide and comply with strict rules of behaviour and hygiene. 

The supply chain to suppliers and customers “is ensured for all Datwyler plants,” the group’s press statement further pointed out.

At its ‘mobility’ business unit, however, Datwyler is adjusting capacity, cost structures and capital expenditure in response to declining demand and the closure of several customers' plants due to the pandemic. 

“This will lead to short-time working and in some cases to temporary plant closures,” said Datwyler, though adding that “the situation is normalising" at its plants in China.