Swiss-based Mikron (www.mikron.com) — a manufacturer of automation solutions, machining systems and cutting tools — saw a sharp increase in orders in the first months of 2018, following significant improvements in the second half of 2017.

The group is predicting a 25% year-on-year increase in sales for the first six months of 2018.

For the year as a whole, it anticipates a 20-30% increase in sales and a profit margin of 3-5%.

The group is a global partner to companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical, med-tech, consumer goods and watch-making industries.

Its two divisions — Mikron Automation and Mikron Machining — employs a workforce of around 1,275, at two sites in Switzerland and at production facilities in Germany, Singapore, China and the USA.