Trumpf Group said demand for its
products dropped in the last year, reducing the European multinational
company’s estimated profits.
Company officials peg its
preliminary profits in the tens of millions of euros (1 euro equals $1.41 U.S.)
for the fiscal year that ended June 30. Overall sales dropped 23 percent to
$2.3 billion U.S.
Despite the negative news, Trumpf
President Nicola Leibinger-Kammuller said he was not unhappy.
“Our flexible tools that allow us
to quickly adapt production and working hours to demand have so far proven
their value,” he said. “We reacted quickly to the global economic crisis, were
able to reduce and achieve an acceptable income before taxes during the past
fiscal year as a result.
“Given the current situation, I
would call that a success,” he added.
The company expects orders received
to decline 35 percent, reflecting drops in all business divisions. Only the
medical technology division reported any sales increase, officials said.
Final 2008-2009 figures are to be
released Oct. 20.
