Strong business with China is helping Brückner Maschinenbau (Siegsdorf / Germany; www.brueckner.com) beat the economic downturn. The film-stretching equipment producer said it expects turnover to increase in 2010 following a strong increase in orders.

Orders increased by more than 50% in 2009 compared with 2008, Brückner said. As project duration is around 12 months, the full extent of certain orders will be reflected in next year’s turnover, and “therefore a turnover increase for 2010 is certain”, it added.

The company said it has received numerous orders from China, where film manufacturers benefit from government support. Lines have also been sold to Europe, South America, Indonesia and Taiwan.

MD Ludwig Eckart attributed the favourable development to Brückner’s strong technological position. For instance, he said, the company has several BOPP lines reaching production speeds of over 500 m/min on the market.