After a temporary consolidation phase in the previous period, the Wire Rope Technology Division lived up to expectations and once more registered respectable growth during the year under review. Profitability kept pace with the significant increase in sales turnover and the division can therefore again look upon a very successful year.
The Geobrugg protection system business benefited from the success of the new TECCO erosion and slope stabilization system, the growing importance of the Southern European market, and the continued success of its overseas manufacturing subsidiaries. All of which resulted in another year of record sales. The completion of a new testing installation in Walenstadt and the development of a high-energy rockfall barrier will help to secure future success in this field.
The acquisition of a new major key account in North America and the start-up of a new US-production facility towards the end of the year were the driving forces behind a further significant increase in the rate of growth of the elevator rope business.
Demand for mountain rope in our traditional markets remained weak. Nevertheless, on the strength of first-time major orders for a number of Austrian and Italian ropeways, this business activity also registered a respectable overall increase in sales revenues.
The downturn in building activity was responsible for stagnating sales of fabricated ropes, slings, chains, etc.
The rope –based systems business showed mixed results depending on the market segment but, with the exception of structural rope systems, managed a satisfactory overall performance. In particular, sales revenue foe architectural rope systems and microcables was up on last year.
Sales efforts for Fortatech fibers for concrete reinforcement were successfully focused on new market regions and products including Lyfor fire resistance concrete which is getting increased attention from the industry.