Austrian machinery manufacturer Engel (Schwertberg; www.engelglobal.com) increased its sales in the year ended 31 March 2008 by 3.5% compared with the previous year, to another record high of EUR 622m (EUR 601m). The family-owned company’s share of the European machinery market has increased by 7% over the past five years, and the company now claims to account for almost 25% of the value of all machines produced and sold.

Extensive investments are under way in Europe, including a new technology centre in Schwertberg to be opened in 2009 and expansion of the facility in Kaplice / Czech Republic – see Plasteurope.com of 07.05.2008. “Several million” euros are being spent on a new production hall at St. Valentin / Austria – see Plasteurope.com of 07.11.2007.

Engel also has increased its market share in the Americas. In addition to consolidating its North American manufacturing activities – see Plasteurope.com of 06.02.2008 – and expanding its York, Pennsylvania / USA facility, the company has also strengthened its sales presence in North America and has established an office in Brazil.

In Asia, sales continued to grow and, in addition to standard “e-max” and “victory” machines produced in Korea, the company now supplies large-scale "duo" machines manufactured in Shanghai / China.