Annual report 2012 - VDL

Modest improvement was seen in the project market. There was also positive development in the Asian
market. Additionally, VDL Agrotech succeeded in gaining a better foothold in the Middle East, progress
that is now precarious due to the unstable political situation in many countries in the region. Expectations
for 2013 are moderately positive. The project market is highly dependent on bank credit, and the
conversion of the battery cages to alternative systems in Europe has been completed. The sale of several
new products, including a manure drying tunnel and a new poultry feeding system, have had a good start
in 2012 and these products are expected to show further growth in 2013. Product innovation and an even
greater geographical market spread are the keys to further growth and success for the activities of VDL
Agrotech. Expansion of the capacity of the product development and sales department in 2013 will further
strengthen the position of VDL Agrotech.
Cigar-making and packaging machines
For PMB-UVA International, 2012 was yet another good year, with turnover up from 27 million euro to
29 million euro. Innovation is and remains the driving force behind the sales success. Both in the packaging
machines and cigar-making machines departments, various new features were once again developed,
resulting in machines with unique capabilities. Another reason for the success is the licensing of the
proprietary features developed in-house to other OEM suppliers. This has contributed to a rapid return on
investment for the cost of development. The strategy of spin-off products has also contributed to the rise in
turnover. The average series size of the machines being built has remained at the same level as in the past
two years. For 2013 the outlook is positive. PMB-UVA International is a preferred supplier to many
multinationals, and that gives good grounds for confidence in the continuation of this growth. Efforts to
achieve greater diversification in market segments and market areas are underway to achieve further growth.
Sunbeds and roof boxes
Turnover at Hapro International, manufacturer of sunbeds and roof boxes, rose slightly, from 24 million
euro in 2011 to 25 million euro in 2012. The market for professional sunbeds is still under pressure. The
continuing economic crisis, which is particularly acute in Southern Europe, is a major contributing factor. In
addition, variations in the implementation of new EU regulations in the various member states has led to
considerable confusion and reluctance among business owners to invest. The market for professional
tanning equipment is expected to remain at a low level in 2013. The market for privately-owned sunbeds
continues to remain stable. Sales of roof boxes have increased, particularly as a result of tapping into new
sales markets in Asia. In 2013, sales of roof boxes are expected to remain at the same level as in 2012.
Given the relatively low purchase price of a roof box, there is no real fear of a downturn in consumer
demand, despite economic pressure.
Container handling systems
Turnover at VDL Containersystemen remained virtually unchanged relative to 2011. The truck-related
turnover from existing products, such as hooklift, skiploader and cable systems, fell slightly, mainly due to
the downturn in the construction and waste market. The turnover from spreaders was down a bit in 2012.
The introduction of our new product for the port sector, the AGV, largely compensated. The prototype
AGV built by VDL was released by a reputable global player in port container handling and is now in
operational use. This gave us the opportunity to take on series orders in this segment: the first order is in.
This order, among others, has led to the currently well-filled total order book. We have also launched an
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