Technologies · Systems · Solutions - Dürr

Automatic wheel mounting system
of Schenck RoTec. The tire is mounted
on the rim and is inflated in split
seconds. Due to the rapid pressure
drop during the opening of the inflator,
the surrounding air cools down
quickly. Air humidity condenses and
vapor is generated.
Measuring Systems business unit
Earnings situation significantly
improved by
Restructuring works
Successful business in China
Growing demand from the mining industry
Amounts in €m
2004 2003 Change
Total incoming orders 320.2 286.2 11.9%
Total sales 307.2 283.7 8.3%
EBITDA 18.6 –4.0 565.0%
EBT 10.9 –14.5 175.2%
Employees at year’s end 2,084 2,255 –7.6%
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The extensive restructuring measures of the program took affect in the
Measuring Systems business unit. We improved the result of operations significantly
and achieved earnings before taxes of € 10.9 million.
A major reason for our success was the closing of the loss-making pre-manufacturing
operation in Darmstadt, Germany. The closing allows us to purchase parts and components
far less expensively – an important step on the path toward greater competitiveness.
Successful business in China
We were able to further expand our strong position in Asia. We achieved particularly
strong growth in China, which accounted for 25% of total incoming orders in the
past fiscal year. We hired 128 new employees there and expanded our manufacturing
capacities to be better represented on the growing Chinese market. From China,
we also supply customers in Europe and the Americas in addition to our Asian customers.
Balancing and Diagnostic Systems: Strong services business
The Balancing and Diagnostic Systems product line, the world’s market leader in
these technologies, increased both sales and incoming orders in 2004. The automotive
industry accounted for about 60% of sales, while the rest came from the machinery,
aerospace, power plant, and electrical engineering sectors. In North America, we benefited
from a sharp rise in demand from the aerospace industry. In contrast, capital
spending remained restrained on the European market. Development in Asia continued
to be dynamic.