Trumpf anticipates growth

Ditzingen, Germany – Machine tool and industrial laser maker Trumpf GmbH + Co. KG is anticipating revenue growth of more than 20% for its current fiscal year. This was announced today by company president and chair of the managing board of Trumpf, Dr. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, at the company's annual press conference.

"Trumpf has put the [economic] crisis behind it," said the head of the family-run company. "If the world’s economy continues to be spared from further external shocks such as a currency crisis or bursting credit or real estate bubbles, then I will be convinced: The time of poor figures is behind us!"

The reason for this optimism is the rising number of orders received since spring. "Compared to the corresponding months from last year, we see double digit increases – and we see no sign that this won't continue in the coming months," said Ms. Leibinger-Kammüller.

In the previous fiscal year (ended June 30, 2010), which was still plagued by the worldwide economic crisis, company sales dropped about 19% to €1.34 billion [US $ 1.86 billion]; resulting in a loss, before taxes, of € 59 million [US $ 82 million]. But, since spring, the order books have filled up again: Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller explains: "In some markets, we are even approaching the sales numbers of the record years before the crisis. We therefore anticipate a clear double digit gain in the new fiscal year 2010/2011. Our objective: We want to make up as much as possible of what we lost during the crisis years."

Ms. Leibinger-Kammüller noted that business is particularly strong in Asian. Trumpf will continue to profit, she said, especially in the booming markets in China. The company will therefore further expand its Chinese production site. "We have had a presence in Asia for years," she said. "With all of our experience, we can participate in the momentum of the Far East – and that also strengthens our position at home."

Thanks to the good order situation, Trumpf has ended short-time work at most of its sites and has come through the crisis in Germany without any business-dictated lay-offs. In addition, the company plans to end previously applied wage cuts as of January 2011. "We are grateful to our employees, for helping us to keep our costs under control during difficult times. Now that things are on the upswing, our people should be able to share in the improved situation," stated Ms. Leibinger-Kammüller.