SCHMALBACH LUBECA
PET pushes sales forward in 1997 / Substitution seen to continue
PET was one of the driving forces behind the improved performance of packaging materials producer Schmalbach Lubeca (Kaiserswerther Str., D-40880 Ratingen) in 1997. Group sales rose 6% to DEM 4.35 bn, operating profit 12% to DEM 57m. The product group PET Containers had sales of DEM 1.46 bn. The newly acquired Johnson Controls activities, consolidated since March, accounted for DEM 543m of the total. The group's two geographical units PET Containers Europe/Asia and Plastic Containers Americas contributed equally to the good results, with sales volume doubling to 5.3 bn units. The Ratingen group attributes much of the volume increase to Johnson Controls, which has taken it into new markets, including detergents and personal care products.
While unit sales to the carbonated soft drink industry "fell clearly short of expectations," Schmalbach Lubeca said sales to the US water, heat set, peanut butter, liquor and edible oils markets showed "very favourable development." The shift to PET from other packaging materials, which began in 1997, is predicted to continue into 1997. The switch to PET has also benefited the group's White Cap Closures business group, which increased 1997 turnover 12% to DEM 798m, supported mainly by higher volumes in Europe. Operating profit also improved. A new plant is being built in the US.
While unit sales to the carbonated soft drink industry "fell clearly short of expectations," Schmalbach Lubeca said sales to the US water, heat set, peanut butter, liquor and edible oils markets showed "very favourable development." The shift to PET from other packaging materials, which began in 1997, is predicted to continue into 1997. The switch to PET has also benefited the group's White Cap Closures business group, which increased 1997 turnover 12% to DEM 798m, supported mainly by higher volumes in Europe. Operating profit also improved. A new plant is being built in the US.
31.03.1998 Plasteurope.com [18769]
Published on 31.03.1998