Twenty-five percent rise in order intake by the Sulzer core divisions
Sulzer Pumps order volume for the first nine months increased by 18% (+5% adjusted) to CHF 750 million, consolidating in the third quarter after the outstandingly successful first half-year.
Order intake by the Sulzer core divisions for the first nine months of 2001 rose to CHF 1468 million, 25% higher than in prior year (+10% adjusted for acquisitions, divestitures and currency effects). Order intake by the discontinuing operations declined by 4% to CHF 1290 million after adjustment. In total, consolidated order intake increased by 3% after adjustment.
All the Sulzer core divisions recorded double-digit growth rates for the first nine months of 2001. Sulzer Metco order intake rose by 26% (+9% adjusted) to CHF 317 million. This growth is attributable to all activities, in particular to the high order intake for complete systems in September. Order intake by Sulzer Turbomachinery Services nearly doubled compared with prior year (+95%, adjusted +34%) to CHF 162 million for the first nine months, thanks to strong growth both internally and through acquisitions. Sulzer Pumps order volume for the first nine months increased by 18% (+5% adjusted) to CHF 750 million, consolidating in the third quarter after the outstandingly successful first half-year. Sulzer Chemtech continued the positive trend of the first semester with a 16% rise in order intake for the first nine months (+17% adjusted) to CHF 239 million.
Order intake by the Sulzer Hexis venture division totalled CHF 8 million for the first nine months. Orders placed by marketing partners for about 200 of the first 600 ½HXS 1000 Premiere½ were already booked during the first half-year.
Order intake by the discontinuing operations – Sulzer Infra, Sulzer Textil and Sulzer Burckhardt – declined by 4% to CHF 1290 million after adjustment. Sulzer Infra and the Greenfield activities of Sulzer Burckhardt were deconsolidated per June 30, 2001.
Consolidated order intake by the Sulzer Corporation for the first nine months of 2001 totalled
CHF 2851 million, 3% higher than in prior year after adjustment for acquisitions, divestitures and currency effects.
Sulzer still expects to reach the business volume and profitability goals set for 2001. Any medium-term effects on Sulzer of the economic downswing trends are not clear at the present time; however, the corporate business portfolio is now more recession-resistant than prior to restructuring. However, there may be some delay in reaching medium-term goals if the economic situation does not improve next year.
