Bosch Packaging Technology enjoyed ‘relatively stable’ business in 2009 and reports a steady increase in the supply of automation technology to the emerging markets.
From the ‘high level’ of orders it received in 2008, sales in 2009 dropped by around 4% to €675 million. Including Paal Verpackungsmaschinen, acquired in 2008, the year’s sales reached €703 million.
“Despite the economic downturn we have been able to stand our ground in the global marketplace,” stated Friedbert Klefenz, Bosch’s President.
Sales were down in 2009 during the first few months and concerned primarily the food and confectionery sectors, but improved in the second half of the year, says Mr Klefenz.
He added that the pharma and services divisions were largely unaffected by the crisis and order levels remained high, due to the company’s focus on sales and continued investment in new business areas.
In 2009, 86% of sales were outside of Germany. The strongest markets were Europe, including Eastern Europe (50%) and North America (23%). Asia generated 20% of total sales in the past year.