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Vanderlande Industries sets new records
Strong increases in net sales and net income
Veghel, 26 June 2008- Vanderlande Industries (automated material handling
systems) achieved a net income of EUR 34.1 million in the financial year
ending 31 March 2008, an increase of 28% over the preceding year, while
net sales increased by 23% to EUR 611 million. The order book remained
at a very satisfactory level of EUR 790 million. The company expects a
further increase in net sales in the coming financial year 2008/2009.
The number of employees, which rose by 209 to 1 742 (+14%) in the past
year, will also continue to grow in the year ahead.
Peter Gerretse, President and CEO of Vanderlande Industries, commenting
on these results:
"Once again we can look back at our best year ever with net sales
23% higher and an even stronger growth in net result at 28%. We have been
successful in all business areas and were able to secure a large number
of new orders.
In baggage handling, for which the Company is one of the industry leaderswe
again succeeded in obtaining orders from customers located as far afield
as Russia, the Far East, the USA and Saudi Arabia.
The new Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport was handed over to BAA to their
full satisfaction. Contrary to some media reports, the system performed
well right from the start, while the end-to-end baggage handling process
rapidly improved after initial start-up problems during the first few
days.
The market for distribution systems in Europe remained stable at the high
level of last year. This was reflected in an increased order intake. Companies
such as Kaufland, Amazon, van den Ban and Tesco.com contributed to the
order intake in this segment.
With orders received from FedEx, UPS, DHL, TNT, Bartolini and many others
we clearly improved our position in the Express Parcel segment, although
this year investments in this industry were at a lower level. We are also
very proud of the successful implementation of the new DHL Leipzig hub,
a contract we completed in record time.
And last but not least, service sales once again reached a record level,
and these activities have become a major contributor to our turnover.
These developments underline the excellent position of Vanderlande Industries
worldwide. We expect growth to continue in the coming financial year 2008/2009."
Continuously looking for new people
Over the last five years the number of employees has increased by 60%
to the present 1 742. The expectations for the future will lead to a further
increase in this number. For example the company currently has some 80
vacancies, particularly for technicians and IT specialists at college
and university graduate level.
The good standing of Vanderlande Industries as employer has been confirmed
by the nominations to "Top Employer 2008" and to "Golden
Winner" in the recent employee satisfaction survey by the Dutch national
paper "De Volkskrant".
Outlook
There is much uncertainty as to how the worldwide economy will develop
in financial year 2009. This makes it difficult to predict the market
development. In financial year 2009 the Company is targeting a moderate
growth in order intake.
Based on the current order book, net sales are expected to increase significantly.
Net income is expected to remain at a comparable level due to a different
mix of the projects in execution.
Based on these expectations we will continue to invest in new people,
in improving the capabilities of the existing workforce and in innovation.
We expect to release several new products to the market in financial year
2009.
Vanderlande Industries' overall position further improved
Total order intake in the financial year was EUR 573 million (last year
EUR 723 million). Excluding last year's major contract from United Parcel
Service (UPS) of EUR 360 million, this year's order intake signified a
52% increase from EUR 363 million to EUR 551 million.
Net sales increased by 28% to EUR 611 million (EUR 496 million in the
preceding year). An important contribution to this increase was made by
the subsidiaries in the UK and USA. Sales in Services for our systems
were also a major contributor and reached a record level.
Operating profit (EBIT) increased to EUR 54.1 million from EUR 46.3 million
last financial year, due mainly to the growth in net sales.
Net income has risen substantially over the last three years, from EUR
14.1 million two years ago through EUR 26.6 million last year to EUR 34.1
million in financial year 2007/2008.
Excluding the UPS and BAA contracts, the order book increased to EUR 608
million from EUR 499 million last year, an increase of 22%. In total,
the order book at EUR 790 million remained at a very satisfactory level
(last year EUR 828 million).
Profile of Vanderlande Industries
Vanderlande Industries provides automated material handling systems and
accompanying services. It focuses on improving its customers' business
processes and strengthening their competitive position.
The Company is active in the markets for Baggage Handling at airports,
Distribution Centres and Express Parcel sortation facilities.
The Company implements material handling systems of all sizes, ranging
from many local sorting depots, airports and distribution centres to the
world's largest facilities. The company ranks among the top 5 worldwide
in its field, and in baggage handling is even one of the leading suppliers.
In every case the emphasis is on close partnership with the customer,
extending from initial analysis of the underlying business processes through
to total life-cycle support.
To achieve this, the Company possesses core competences in all the relevant
disciplines, ranging from system design and engineering, through supply
chain management and manufacturing, to information and communication technology,
system integration, project management and customer services. The company
employs 1 742 people of whom more than 50% have a college or university
degree.
Vanderlande Industries is a global player with a presence in all key regions
of the world. The company has subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Belgium,
Germany, France, Great Britain, Spain, Canada, PR China, South Africa
and the USA. These Customer Centres handle all key business functions
and maintain direct contacts with customers.
For more information:
P. Gerretse, President and CEO, Tel +31 (0)413 38 55 54
H. Molenaar, Managing Director and CFO, Tel +31 (0)413 38 52 02
F. van Duren, Manager Corporate Communications, Tel +31 (0)413 38 54 29
www.vanderlande.com
e-mail: marcom@vanderlande.com
Vanderlande Industries
Dr. Frauke Küsgen, Kommunikation
Tel.: +49 (0) 2161 / 68 00 319
kusgen@vanderlande.de
www.vanderlande.com
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