Kiefel's most successful year of business since the foundation of the company

Turnover and orders higher than ever before

For Kiefel GmbH, 2014 was the most successful business year in the history of the company. The turnover including subsidiary companies has increased by approx. 20% at well over 100 million euro - a record level for Kiefel, as is the increased level of orders at over 120 million euro. This has surpassed the previous record year in 2013 and has formed an excellent foundation for the future.    Numerous new developments in the key technologies of joining and forming films for the four business areas of automotive, packaging, refrigerator industries and medical technology are responsible for the continuous positive business development. Examples for this: High-speed forming plants for the production of drinking cups and yoghurt cups, thermoforming machines for the economic production of self-service packaging for fresh meat, fruit, salad and ready-meals, welding systems for manufacturing medical items such as blood and infusion bags or new technologies for the manufacturing of high-quality intirior trim parts in almost all renowned automotive brands. The automotive area has also been strengthened by the takeover of the Czech company SWA - a specialist in punching and pressing technology.   Global growth    Europe continues to be the most important sales market for Kiefel - turnover here has grown by over 50%. In the US market the recovery after the financial and economic crisis of the previous years continues - the increase in turnover here amounted to around 30%. The new Kiefel Technology Center in the American state of Michigan will also open up further promising opportunities in the automotive sector.   In Asia too, turnover and orders can be increased, particularly in China and Indonesia. Alongside the positive development of the automotive industry in China, the growing demand for Kiefel medical technologies has also contributed.   Kiefel managing director, Thomas J. Halletz: "Our own sales and servicing branches as well as partner companies within the Brückner group secure important direct access to our target markets throughout the world. Our new Technology Center in Freilassing is a further factor in our success, allowing us the opportunity to push forward with product developments together with our customers. Our incorporation into the Brückner group has also been a great advantage, with the expansion and development of this research facility, which is unique in our sector."