Sulzer Reports Order Intake 9% Over Previous Year
Order intake at Sulzer rose to CHF 1095 million in the first half of 2004. Compared with the previous year, this represents a respectable growth rate of 9% in nominal terms (adjusted , 7%).
All core divisions generated good order figures; consistent focus on related markets and a strong competitive position provided substantial support for this growth. Sulzer expects the positive trend to continue over the current year.
Sulzer’s core divisions recorded a 10% increase in order intake (adjusted1, 7%) to CHF 1085 million. In particular, there was a rise in the number of new equipment orders. A moderate upward trend was evident in the North American and European markets, while the Asian markets continued to operate at a very good level.
Sulzer Pumps, a leading provider of centrifugal pumps and related services worldwide, recorded an impressive order intake of CHF 540 million in the first six months of the year (up 7%; adjusted1, 5%). The division again generated a large order volume in the second quarter, similar to the excellent prior-year level. All segments were in very good shape in the first half of this year, especially the oil and gas segment. The outlook for the coming months is good.
Outlook for the second half of 2004
Sulzer already had a good order backlog at the beginning of 2004, and the orders received in the first six months of the year have confirmed the upward trend. Given a stable global economy, it can currently be expected that the positive order trend will continue over the second half of the year.
Midyear results of the Sulzer Corporation for 2004 will be announced on August 25, 2004.
The Sulzer Corporation is comprised of the four core divisions Sulzer Metco (surface technology solutions and services), Sulzer Turbomachinery Services (service and repair of thermal turbomachinery), Sulzer Pumps (pumping solutions and services), Sulzer Chemtech (components and services for separation columns and static mixing), and the venture division Sulzer Hexis (fuel cell systems for residential applications). Sales in 2003 totaled CHF 1826 million. Sulzer currently employs about 9000 people worldwide.
