Heidenheim an der Brenz (dpa/lsw) - The technology group Voith was able to significantly increase its sales in the past fiscal year despite increased costs. "We were able to improve all key figures," said CEO Toralf Haag on Tuesday in Heidenheim an der Brenz. According to the company, sales rose by 15 percent year-on-year to EUR 4.88 billion, exceeding expectations.
According to the manufacturer of large-scale systems, the high level of orders received in previous years had a positive effect, which could be processed more easily after the corona restrictions expired. Disturbances in the supply chains as well as massive increases in material prices and logistics costs made things difficult for Voith.
Consolidated earnings in the past financial year (cut-off date: September 30) amounted to EUR 30 million, after EUR 1 million in the previous year. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose by 21 percent to 200 million euros.
The business with paper machines gave the company particularly good figures. Voith Paper accounted for 45 percent of group sales. Incoming orders are mainly in the packaging and cardboard area, said Haag. There are many orders from China. Group-wide incoming orders rose by three percent to 5.16 billion euros. The portfolio thus increased to EUR 7.03 billion and thus broke the EUR 7 billion mark for the first time.
For the coming year, the group sees many uncertainties in view of the war in Ukraine and high inflation. Voith expects slightly fewer orders. For the 2022/23 financial year, the company, which employs more than 21,000 people in 60 countries, expects slight growth in consolidated sales.
