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June 2011
SAUTER improves results despite weak euro
SAUTER's results improved in 2010, despite the weak euro. Thanks to its cutting-edge product innovations and successful programmes aimed at reducing indoor energy consumption, this international company, based in Basle, Switzerland, stands to achieve lasting benefits from the trend towards more energy-efficient buildings.
Despite the harsh economic climate, the globally-active SAUTER Group, which is headquartered in Basle, Switzerland, posted improved profits in a large number of markets, thus successfully rounding off its centenary year. SAUTER is also well equipped for the future, with its outstanding expertise, competitive products and services, and a committed workforce.
SAUTER generated an operating result of CHF 24.4 million (€17.7 million) in 2010, an increase of 4.7% (2009: CHF 23.2 million), with a consolidated turnover of CHF 393.4 million (€285 million). The negative effect of the EUR/CHF exchange rate reduced the result by about CHF 7 million, since SAUTER has an export rate of 90%. Adjusted to take into account the effects of the exchange rate, turnover rose by 6.5%. Expressed in local currencies, the figures for new orders, orders in hand and turnover are noticeably better.
Due to the growth in the Services and Facility Management divisions, both of which are very labour-intensive, SAUTER now has over 2,000 employees. This increase in capacity promoted record turnover and results in some western European countries. For instance, business in technical facility management grew by 20% in Germany. Business in the Middle East has also recovered well from the 2009 crisis. However, in other markets, especially those of southern and eastern Europe, the effects of the economic crisis were still much in evidence.
"We are satisfied with the past financial year", said Bertram Schmitz, the company's CEO. "Making the most efficient use of energy in new and existing buildings is SAUTER's speciality. In our own building, which was inaugurated last year, we use merely about 20% of the average figure for energy consumption in Switzerland."
In 2010, SAUTER not only celebrated its centenary, but also displayed its continued innovative expertise: EY-modulo, its award-winning building automation system, was very well received across the board in all markets. In addition, the company was once again awarded a prize at GebäudeEffizienz, the leading trade fair for building technology and automation, held annually in Frankfurt; this time, it was for the Sauter ECO10 system for reducing energy consumption in buildings. SAUTER has also ensured an excellent level of energy efficiency in two buildings that presented particular architectural challenges: Champalimaud, the interdisciplinary research centre in Lisbon, Portugal; and The Cube, the new head office of the German Stock Exchange in Eschborn, Germany. The latter received the distinguished LEED platinum certificate for sustainable, environmentally-friendly buildings from the US Green Building Council in 2010.
SAUTER began 2011 with a healthy order book. The company expects continued robust economic activity in the main western European markets and a gradual improvement in business in southern and eastern Europe and in Asia. However, the unfavourable EUR/CHF exchange rate still threatens to have an adverse impact on results.
"The economic crisis and increased scepticism towards conventional energy sources, especially nuclear energy, also present SAUTER with an opportunity, because they encourage us to continue providing innovative solutions for saving energy", pointed out the CEO, Bertram Schmitz. Scientific studies show that active building automation contributes more to energy efficiency than the passive reduction of consumption by way of the building envelope. In particular, the integration of regenerative energy sources is possible only by installing active systems such as those manufactured by SAUTER.
Looking ahead, Bertram Schmitz summarises the situation: "With its competitive portfolio of products and services and its outstanding level of expertise, SAUTER is extremely well placed for the future. It is our intention to continue to increase our innovative strength and reduce costs so as to make dynamic use of the opportunities which present themselves."
As a leading provider of solutions for building automation technology in green buildings, SAUTER ensures good climate conditions and comfort in sustainable environments. As a specialist, SAUTER develops, produces and markets complete energy-efficient system solutions and offers a comprehensive range of services to guarantee energy-optimised building operation. Our products, solutions and services ensure high energy efficiency throughout the entire life cycle of a building, from planning and construction through to operation, in office and administrative buildings, research and educational establishments, hospitals, industrial buildings and laboratories, airports, leisure facilities, hotels and data centres. With over a century of experience and a track record of technological know-how, SAUTER is a proven system integrator, with a reputation that guarantees continuous innovation and Swiss quality. SAUTER was honoured for the best automation system in 2009 and won the 2010 Building Efficiency Award for the best energy service; our company provides users and operators with an overview of energy flows and consumption, enabling them to keep track of their costs.
SAUTER Group
- Based in Basle, Switzerland, with worldwide operations
- Founded in 1910, so over a century of tradition and experience
- Currently has approximately 2000 employees, operates all over the world and is expanding continuously
- Total solutions for building management from a single source, with the focus on providing maximum energy efficiency and sustainability
- Security of investment plus operational reliability over the whole life-cycle of the building
- Technological leader in building automation and system integration
- Member of eu.bac, BACnet Interest Group (BIG-EU), EnOcean Alliance, LONMARK International
- References available at: www.sauter-controls.com