(pressebox) Lyss, 27.04.2009, The 3S Industries Group has successfully implemented its strategic objectives. The solar concern advanced in 2008 to become the world’s market leader in equipment for the production of solar modules. In the 2008 financial year, 3S Industries again recorded strong growth in sales and profit. In the reporting year, gross sales quadrupled in comparison with the previous year to CHF 109 million. The operating profit (EBIT) was at a record level of CHF 12.5 million and thus practically quintupled; the EBIT margin related to net sales was 12.3% (previous year: 10.4%). With the acquisition of Somont, the solar concern covers all the key technologies which are important for the manufacture of solar modules. For 2009, 3S Industries expects sales of CHF 150 million and an EBIT of CHF 15 million.
3S Industries is today the global market leader for equipment for the manufacture of solar modules. The Group’s lead over its competitors is attributable primarily to its unique technology, comprehensive process know-how and many years of experience in the solar industry. With the production installations from the Swiss concern, customers are achieving the highest quality demanded today around the globe at lowest production costs. In their respective fields of core competence in solar module production, 3S Swiss Solar Systems (laminating lines) and Pasan (testers) have already been the technological leaders for years. As that also applies for Somont (automatic string soldering machines), 3S Industries acquired the successful German company in 2008 and thus completed the value-creation chain in equipment for the production of solar modules. All three Group companies grew more quickly than the overall market in the reporting year.
With the expansion of the international presence, the use of synergies, joint developmental work within the Group and constant further development of their innovative products, the companies of the 3S Group are pursuing with determination the objective, of further lowering the production costs for solar modules. The acquisition of Somont and the associated formation of the solar concern 3S Industries, the strong focus on growing, international markets and the development of the product portfolio after entry into the business with turnkey, automatic lines sustainably strengthened the competitiveness of the organisation in 2008.
The long-term growth prospects for photovoltaics are intact, even though the market is currently no longer recording the enormous growth rates of the last few years due to the financial crisis. Production in Lyss is currently not running at full capacity which, in April 2009, led to the introduction of shorter working times in one section of the factory. With this measure, the capacities continue to be available in order to react at short notice to the anticipated increase in demand. The factories in Neuchâtel (Pasan) and Umkirch (Somont) are working at full capacity. The demand for the automatic lines is developing in a very positive manner.
For the 2009 financial year, 3S Industries expects net income of CHF 150 million.
As the market leader in the production of equipment for the manufacture of solar modules, the 3S solar concern is in an outstanding position. The Group has a range of products which promise gains in efficiency for solar module manufacturers. In addition, the geographic expansion of the solar concern will enable it to benefit from the expected growth in the USA and Asia. 3S Industries completed the 2008 financial year with significantly improved key financial figures. The organisation has a strong balance sheet and a comfortable reserve of liquidity.
The full Annual Report for 2008 is available for downloading on the 3S website under the link http://www.3-s.ch/….
3S Industries AG
The solar concern 3S with its holding company 3S Industries and its subsidiaries Somont, 3S Swiss Solar Systems and Pasan, is the world’s market leader for production equipment for the manufacture of solar modules. The Group covers the entire value-creation chain of solar module production and combines the key competences in the fields of soldering, laminating and testing under a single roof. Production installations from the solar concern guarantee stable, reliable processes, a high throughput and outstanding product quality with low wastage and high up-times.
With the automatic string soldering machines from Somont, the laminating lines from 3S Swiss Solar Systems and the testers from Pasan, customers around the globe produce solar modules whose performance, useful life, quality and output match the highest demands. The range encompasses individual machines as well as turnkey production lines with varying degrees of automation. 3S Swiss Solar Systems also develops and produces advanced, building-integrated solar systems for roofs, facades and shading solutions and makes full use of its comprehensive know-how in photovoltaics and production technology.
The headquarters of 3S Industries as well as the factories operated by 3S Swiss Solar Systems are located in Switzerland. The domicile and factory of Pasan is also in Switzerland, whereas Somont is located in Germany. The solar concern is also present with a subsidiary in the USA.
Contact 3S Industries AG:
Dr. Anja Knaus
Head of Corporate Communications
Schachenweg 24
CH 3250 Lyss
fon +41(0)32 391 1136 fax +41(0)32 391 1112
anja.knaus@3-s.ch
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