Sacmi Group has another record year

With consolidated 2015 sales of 1.354 billion euros and a net result some 3 million euro higher than that of the previous year, Sacmi has posted one of the best results in its history for the second year running, exceeding budget forecasts. This excellent performance was driven by both the Ceramics and the Packaging-Beverage divisions, partly thanks to the acquisition of shares in Cosmec, Cmc, Eurofilter, Mectiles and B&B and the 100% takeover of C&M Holding. These operations have yielded better than expected results.

Highlights of 2015 for the Ceramics division include the 100% takeover of Intesa, the positive performance of Sacmi Forni (largely due to the innovative EKO kilns for firing large format panels and slabs) and the growing success of the Continua+ line. Riedhammer likewise reported good results, consolidating its market share in the special ceramic kiln sector in synergy with Sacmi Imola’s Special Pressings Division, while Sama celebrated its twentieth year of business by opening a new tableware lab and renewing its corporate organisation.

On the international scene, nearly 90% of sales continue to be made outside Italy, a figure in keeping with previous years. Sacmi has reaped the rewards of policies aimed at boosting synergy between Group companies in all key markets, investments in more promising countries (from Africa to the Far East, the USA and South America), and manufacturing and sales policies aimed at ensuring that individual geographical areas make a balanced contribution to overall group sales. A key strategic decision in 2015 was that of establishing a new branch of Sacmi USA in Tennessee to provide after-sales support to the numerous Italian firms present in the area.

Sacmi de Mexico, Sacmi do Brasil and Sacmi Engineering India also reported positive overall performances. The Group’s presence in the Far East remains strategic as markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand become increasingly important. At the same time, Sacmi is responding to the slowdown of the Chinese market with ever greater attention to efficiency and costs. Another key aspect of 2015 was the continuing development of the African market with direct investments in the North (Egypt, Algeria and Morocco) and in Central and South Africa.

“We began 2016 with an excellent customer portfolio and anticipate further improvements in revenues and margins,” noted General Manager Pietro Cassani. “Growth forecasts are particularly encouraging for the Closures and Beverage and Food divisions. Of course, international macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties will inevitably have an impact on Group results in certain areas. However, we remain confident that all our goals can be achieved successfully.”

The year 2016 will also see Sacmi head decisively in the direction of Industry 4.0. Alongside the process revolution aimed at achieving a smart factory, Sacmi also aims to set up an Academy 4.0 in Imola to train its own personnel as well as customers’ and partners’ human resources.