Investment volume significantly greater than in previous years
In 2015, investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets amounted to CHF 147.3 million, CHF 42.5 million or 40.6% more than in the previous year. As a percentage of net sales, the investment ratio was 5.7% (previous year 5.0%). All scheduled larger investment projects were carried out as planned.
The bulk of investments went toward machinery, building conversions and new building projects and the procurement of tools and moulds for new products. By far the biggest project in the reporting year was the expansion of capacity at the Logistics Centre in Pfullendorf (DE), where the groundbreaking ceremony was held in the spring of 2015. Additionally, investments were made in important development projects and the further optimisation of production processes. The investment volume was also heavily influenced by investments in the infrastructure and processes of the former Sanitec organisation, totalling CHF 24.5 million. Overall, 43% of total investments, or CHF 63.4 million, went toward expanding infrastructure in 2015. 20% or CHF 29.6 million was used to acquire tools and equipment for new product developments, 26% or CHF 38.3 million was invested in the modernisation of property, plant and equipment, while 11% or CHF 16.0 million was used for rationalisation measures relating to property, plant and equipment.