Customers more optimistic and inclined to invest in the second half of the year
Since the financial and economic crisis, there has been a trend towards more short-notice demand for label and folding carton printing machinery. This helped the Gallus Group put in a strong performance in the second half of 2014, achieving record sales in the final quarter with a positive impact on earnings.
Slowing growth in important emerging markets such as Brazil and China and the slump in demand caused by the political crises in parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East were compensated for by strong sales in the core European countries.
Innovation in digital printing
In September 2014, Gallus unveiled the Gallus DCS 340 to the global public. This is a digital label printing machine with a multi-colour inkjet module, developed in collaboration with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen and its inkjet technology partner, Fujifilm. This new solution for small production runs and versioning label and packaging products will complement the existing range of machinery. It will be available as a complete system comprising a digital label printing machine with specially adapted consumables (including inks) as well as workflow solutions and service packages. The product will be launched in September 2015 at the Labelexpo trade fair.
Strong Swiss franc
Following the Swiss National Bank's announcement on 15 January 2015 that the minimum exchange rate with the euro was being scrapped, initial cost-saving measures were quickly introduced in order to reduce the impact of the appreciation of the Swiss franc.
The Group is maintaining its existing strategy of focusing on labels and folding cartons in the packaging segments, as well as expanding its digital printing machinery business and investing in innovations while continuing to optimise its costs.
