System Group reports 13% increase in turnover in 2007

System Group, the mechatronic giant founded by Franco Stefani, closed 2007 with a turnover of 234.5 million euro, 13% up on 2006 and substantially in line with the 16.2% average annual growth over the last three years. The value of production rose by 10.6% (237.4 million euro) in spite of the increasingly competitive marketplace characterised by a fall in average selling prices and a drop in demand in the ceramic sector.

The turnover of Italian and foreign subsidiaries has also increased, particularly that of Laminam and Nuova Era. Export share stands at more than 60% and market penetration at 60% for sorting and packaging lines and more than 80% for decoration systems.

In 2007 the Group also gradually defined rules of governance, management and investments. The Group's various activities were rationalised through the merger by incorporation of Gomes Technology and Ftp Automazioni into the Ceramics division with the goal of creating synergies in overall management. This process will end with the creation of the Group's fourth plant division which will take the name of System Lamina. Last but not least, through the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Serigrafica Tosi, the System Group has further expanded its offerings in the field of decoration services.