Sacmi Group posts 40% turnover growth in 2011

Sacmi Group has reported excellent 2011 results, including 40% turnover growth to 1,400 million euro (compared to 1,030 million euro in 2010) and consolidated net group profits of 32.4 million euro (12 million euro in 2010). These figures are largely merit of the diversification programme and the more than 65 million euro that the Group has invested in research and development, industrial real estate and machine tools.

In particular, turnover generated in the ceramic plant and machinery sector rose by more than 50%, not only due to sales to BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, China and India) but also from sales made in Italy, which remains the Group's third largest market. The packaging machinery division also reported growth (+10%), as did the division of injection moulding machines for plastics, which returns to positive territory following several difficult years. The Group also achieved its business targets in the chocolate sector with the setting up of Carle & Montanari Holding (owned with equal shares by Sacmi and Ima), which generated a turnover of 90 million euro.

The positive results are also reflected in terms of employment. From October 2010 to December 2011, Sacmi Imola took on 90 new employees while the Group as a whole hired a total of 180.

Pietro Cassani, general manager of Sacmi Group and outgoing chairman of the Italian ceramic machinery manufacturers' association Acimac, commented with satisfaction on the Group's results: "With a clear strategy, a global presence and a strong focus on products and customers, it is possible to grow even in difficult times."