Georg Fischer AG (CH-8201 Schaffhausen; www.georgfischer.com) set new records in 2000. The Swiss conglomerate achieved sales of CHF 3.9 bn (1999: 3.2 bn) and an EBIT of CHF 267m (175m). The pipeline systems section increased its sales 32% to CHF 887m. While 19% of this growth is attributable to acquisitions, 13% represents internal growth. The EBIT for the sector almost doubled to CHF 73m (38m). Comparability in the plant engineering sector is rendered considerably more difficult through the formation of the new company for plastics compounding technology, Coperion (D-78467 Konstanz; www.coperion.com) – see Plasteurope.com 02, 2001 – and the sale of certain segments.

Sales in the pipeline systems sector are divided among industrial systems (45%), building installations (21%), supply (21%) and automation (13%). PVDF, PVC, ABS and polyolefins play a key role in the industrial systems. Further growth in Europe is expected here for the current year. The gas and water supply sector is covered by the Georg Fischer Wavin joint venture. According to the financial report, a further increase in sales and earnings was recorded here, and both are set to remain stable for 2001. In the field of interior installations, Georg Fischer was successful with hot and cold water systems in plastics, particularly in southern Europe, Great Britain and China. Stability is expected, here, too.

On 1 January 2001, Georg Fischer expanded its pipe sector through the acquisition of the Pipe Fittings Company Italia (Pfci) Srl (Peschiera del Garda; www.pipe-fittings.it). Pfci – with its main brand, “Alupex”, – produces and markets multilayer and composite pipe systems for the heating and sanitary sector. The company, which was previously family-owned, achieved sales of approximately CHF 24m in 2000.

• e-Service:
Georg Fischer Annual Report 2000 as PDF document (1.9 MB)
Georg Fischer Presentation of the Business Year 2000 as PDF document (145 KB)