Biesse S.p.A., Italian producer of machinery and systems for processing of wood, glass/stone, announced its revenue in 2017 increased 11.6% to Euro 690.1 million, EBITDA up 14.3% to Euro 288.6 million. The share of Wood division in the company's revenue was 70.9% (72.9% in 2016). Almost half of company's sales were in Western Europe - 44.8% (45.5% - in 2016), of which Italy 16.6% (15.5% in 2016) with a year-on-year increase in volumes of 10.1%. Eastern Europe holds a share in sales 13.4% (12.6% in 2016) with a y/y increase in volumes of 18.9%, North America - 16.2% (17.7% in 2016) with a y/y increase in volumes of 1.9%, Asia Pacific 22.2% (20.8% in 2016) with a y/y increase in volumes of 18.9%, rest of the world 3.5% (3.5% in 2016) with a y/y increase in volumes of 9.4%.
The international macro-economic climate, despite some country-specific exceptions in which politico-economic uncertainty persists, is showing widespread indications of recovery, said company in a statement. The leading trade associations for the Wood, Glass & Stone sectors report that 2017 should show a gradual improvement in sector results, particularly in the domestic market and forecasts for 2018 are moderately optimistic. Expectations for the sectors served by the Mechatronics division are much more positive, where growth – beyond organic development of the core business- is tied to the potential for product diversification and therefore of the end-user markets (metals – advanced materials).
On the basis of the results achieved in 2017 Biesse has significantly outperformed the indications given for its core sectors, both in terms of order intake and in terms of growth in its production order book. Total order intake for the Biesse Group (equipment only) in 2017 was 17% higher than in 2016, while the order book totaled more than Euro 215 million at end-2017 (+31% compared to 2016).
