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[April 2009]
Nabaltec Maintains Growth
Nabaltec AG (Schwandorf, Germany), a leading supplier of mineral-based flame retardants and raw materials for technical ceramics, has been able to stay on its growth curve in 2008, according to preliminary figures. Revenue rose 9.3%, from €88.1 million to €96.3 million. Both business divisions contributed to this increase. The ‘Functional Fillers’ division, which focuses on mineral-based flame retardants which are used for instance in the plastics industry for cables, in tunnels, airports, high-rise buildings and electronic devices, reported 6.8% revenue growth. The ‘Technical Ceramics’ division, which supplies the refractory industry with materials for blast furnace linings and other ceramic applications, reported 14.1% revenue growth in 2008. Nabaltec raised its prices in 2008, but this increase was not enough to fully offset the rising cost of raw materials, transportation and energy.
This revenue growth was generated entirely through internal growth. "We will continue to pursue this strategy. In addition to continuing the growth in our existing market segments, we plan to open up new markets in the plastics industry in 2009 with our new business unit ‘Additives’,” said Gerhard Witzany, a member of Nabaltec AG's Management Board.
“All over the world, there has been a clear trend towards replacing stabilisers containing heavy metals, which are still predominant in PVC processing, with eco-friendly additives, a trend which has taken the form of statutory requirements and voluntary commitments by the industry. Our mineral-based and eco-friendly products meet these requirements.”
The company's 2008 revenue total, €96.3 million, is the highest in the company’s history and slightly higher than the most recent estimate, €95 million. As of 31 December 2008, Nabaltec Group had a total of 347 employees including trainees (2007: 314).
Nabaltec's earnings remained stable in 2008. EBITDA improved from €8.4 million to €9.3 million, an increase of 10.7%. EBIT was €4.1 million, up from €4.0 million last year.
In order to strengthen Nabaltec AG's equity base and expand its financial manoeuvring space in connection with the upcoming investment projects, the General Meeting will be proposed to carry forward total net profit as of 31 December 2008 to new account.
ENDS