Bielefeld-based DMG Mori AG had a successful start to the year, with a 17% increase in order intake in the first quarter to 693.9 million euros (compared to 591.6 million euros in the first quarter of 2016) — the highest quarterly value in the company’s history (en.dmgmori.com).

Domestic orders amounted to 208.6 million euros (previous year 199.0 million), while international orders amounted to 485.3 million euros (previous year 392.6 million).

Sales revenues in the first quarter reached 533.9 million euros, slightly down on the previous year’s value of 541.4 million euros.

As of 31 March 2017, the key income figures were: EBITDA 48.7 million euros (previous year 42.4 million), EBIT 34.3 million euros (previous year 28.0 million), and EBT 33.0 million euros (previous year 25.8 million). Earnings after taxes were 22.8 million euros (previous year 18.1 million).

Expenditure on R&D in the first quarter was 11.9 million euros (previous year: 10.9 million). A spokesman said: “Our goal for the future is to make it possible for every DMG Mori machine to be equipped with automation.

“With innovative software solutions, we are shaping the future for Industry 4.0, and we have already prepared our machine tools for this with CELOS, our app-based control and operating software. We are also strengthening our capabilities in additive manufacturing.”

At the beginning of the year, the company acquired 50.1% of Realizer GmbH, a pioneer in the development of 3-D printing technology.

On 31 March 2017, the group had 6,894 employees, including 278 trainees (there were 7,282 employees on 31 December 2016). The reduction essentially results from selling shares in its sales and service companies in Asia (except China and India) — as well as America — to DMG Mori Co Ltd.

At the end of the first quarter, the group had 4,046 employees in Germany, plus 2,848 employees working for its international companies.