In 2023, the
Mikron Group — it develops, produces and markets highly precise, productive, and adaptable automation solutions, machining systems and cutting tools — again succeeded in improving the half-year figures year-on-year. Order intake increased by 11.4% and net sales by 22.2%, while EBIT rose from CHF11.4 million in the first half of 2022 to CHF16.9 million (+48.2%) and 9.5% of net sales (in the first half of 2022 the EBIT margin was 7.8%).
Strong demand in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries and continued good performance in all three divisions were the key factors in this positive development. The sale of a non-operating property in Nidau (Switzerland) had a one-off positive effect of CHF2.1 million on the Group’s EBIT.
At CHF 248.7 million, the Mikron Group’s order intake for the first half of 2023 was 11.4% higher than for the first half of 2022 (CHF 223.3 million). However, while the ‘Automation’ business segment increased order intake by 39.9%, the ‘Machining Solutions’ business segment (Mikron Machining and Mikron Tool divisions) reported an expected decline of 26% compared with the first half of 2022, which included large long-term orders. The Automation division again benefitted from the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors’ continuing high demand.
The Mikron Group’s net sales rose from CHF145.9 million in the first half of 2022 to CHF178.3 million in the first half of 2023 (+22.2%); and with a 55% share of net sales, Europe (including Switzerland) remained the Mikron Group’s principal sales market in the first half of 2023. Mikron increased net sales in Europe by 38.9% compared with the first half of 2022, and in North America (where its share of net sales was 30%) by 32.0%. In Asia/Pacific (share of net sales 14%), net sales decreased by 25%.
At CHF337.7 million, the Mikron Group’s order backlog at the end of June 2023 was 24.8% higher than at the end of 2022. Capacity utilisation in all three divisions was high during the whole of the first half of 2023.
Mikron says it remains difficult to make a forecast for the second half of the year due to the unpredictable development of the world economy, the inflation trend, and the war in Ukraine. For the full year 2023, Mikron expects profitability (excluding the one-off sale of the property in Nidau) to remain at a similar level to 2022.