PDF (2.63 MB) - Geberit International AG

Efficient research and development
Intensive research and development (R&D) efforts are
among the Geberit Group’s strategic success factors.
Innovation strength should secure the Group’s long-term
success. In the year under review, Geberit invested
MCHF 43.4 (+21.6 % against the prior year) or 2.3 % of
sales in the future of its product range which was
slightly below the long-term average. However, net of the
effects of the Mapress Group’s acquisition, this figure,
at 2.6 %, was the second largest over the last five years.
The innovation rate of 30% corresponded exactly to the
medium-term target, meaning that just under one third
of 2004 sales were generated by new or improved products
launched in the market during the last three years.
R&D expenditure
(in MCHF)
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
43.4 35.7 30.1 34.1 30.5
In % of sales 2.3 2.5 2.4 2.9 2.5
The new products launched in 2004 included, among
others, a substantial improvement of the Geberit freshwater
supply system, a new generation of installation
systems for the Italian market and a new, modern lavatory
trap as well as additions to the product range in
almost every product line. In the period under review,
16 new patent applications were filed for a total of
more than 100 filings during the last five years.
A number of new products will be launched in the market
in 2005, such as, a pressure tank cistern for the
European market, water-saving sanitary technology for
zero- and one-liter urinals in the public sector as well as
a new, comprehensive sanitary planning software.
The Innovation Process Development (IPD) reviewed
in 2003, which is of major importance to the success of
Geberit, has proven its worth and will be continually
improved. The IPD is at the center of all business processes.
It should enhance employees’ creativity and
enable fast-paced innovation. By thoroughly considering
problems at the beginning of any project, by involving
and cooperating with all future participants at an early
stage and by assigning strong, independent project
managers, new high-quality solutions are to be successfully
introduced to the market at a rapid rate.
Business and Financial Review 17