SACMI: Consolidated financial statement of 1.4 billion euros and growth in net equity

With consolidated 2016 revenues of 1.4 billion euros (around 40 million euros more than in 2015), net assets of 642 million euros and consolidated net profits up to 36 million euros, for the third year running Sacmi Group has posted one of the best financial statements in its history and outperformed budget forecasts.

These results were largely due to the excellent performance of the two divisions Ceramics and Closures & Containers. The Ceramics Division (which accounts for around 70% of Sacmi Imola’s revenues) continued the growth process undertaken in recent years, buoyed in particular by projects focused on Industry 4.0. Alongside the success of the Continua+ line and the new EKO kilns, the division has also developed systems for handling and storage of large-format panels in cooperation with Toyota Handling Italia.

"In 2016 Italy confirmed its position as the key market for the entire Group with a turnover of more than 200 million euros (around 15% of total volumes), increasing its contribution both in absolute terms and with respect to the high innovation content of most projects," commented chairman Paolo Mongardi. "This is a sign that Italy has resumed large-scale investments in the sector, as has Europe in general, particularly Spain."

One of the key growth drivers has been the opening of new branches, including Gaiotto in Piacenza and Cosmec in Verona, the latter being a major point of reference for the Sacmi Heavy Clay Business Unit. The new branch in Tennessee, opened to support investments made in the region by leading Italian ceramic companies, will also play a strategic role. Service companies are taking on an increasingly important position within the Group, from transport and logistics (Italiansped) to production support services (Protesa) and IT and administration services.

A significant acquisition in the Packaging-Beverage division is that of Defranceschi Italia, an operation with major strategic and ethical value that has enabled the company’s key assets in terms of knowledge and expertise to be kept in Italy. Carle&Montanari, a leading company in the Food sector, has also made important investments aimed at extending its field of operations to the bakery and biscuits segments.

The strong 2016 results are also reflected in terms of employment, with the workforce reaching a total of more than 4,247 (almost 70 more people than in 2015). More than 2,900 employees work in Italian facilities, an outstanding result for a Group that generates 85% of its revenues abroad.

"One of the next challenges we face is a further internal reorganisation, which will include appointing young people to key roles within the Group’s companies," concluded Mongardi.