Bühler showed a healthy performance in 2016, while continuing its policy of reinvesting profits to secure future development.

In line with its strategy of operating “in the region for the region”, Bühler also invested substantial sums in 2016 to enter new markets, develop decentralized application centers, and further expand and update its global manufacturing network.

Eight new service stations were added to the global network, for a total of 92 locations with 60 workshops.

Order intake in 2016 was up 3% to CHF 2.54bn, compared to a decline of 4% in 2015. Turnover rose by 2% to CHF 2.45bn, and profitability remained stable at 7.1% (EBIT margin).

R&D investments were significantly increased. “For a company based in Switzerland, 2016 marked a real proof point considering the Euro/Swiss franc shift a year ago,” says CEO Stefan Scheiber. “In this context, we can be satisfied with these results.”

Both businesses of Bühler, Grains & Food and Advanced Materials, contributed to the success of the Group in 2016. The strategy of two businesses that are both based on leading process technologies and services has proven successful and the service business showed higher growth, recording a turnover of CHF 578m, which is 7% higher than last year.

Net profit remained stable at CHF 143m. Despite ongoing high investments of CHF 71m into the worldwide asset base, net liquidity grew by 18% to CHF 462m. With an equity ratio of 47% (previous year 46%), the Group is free from all bank liabilities. The return on net operating assets (RONOA) stayed on a high level of 19% (previous year: 22%). “With this strong financial position, Bühler is well equipped to continue investing into its own future”, says CEO Scheiber.