Following a less than satisfactory performance in 2001, and despite unfavourable exchange rates last year, Sidel got back on the growth track in 2002, posting a 5.2 per cent rise in sales to €981.1 million.
Performance was particularly buoyed by sales from the company's core packaging and filling equipment businesses, which climbed 7.1 per cent year on year to €782.9 million. According to the company this performance reflected the company's strategic focus on plastic packaging systems for beverages.
The most dynamic performance came from the "Blowing & Coating" division, which saw sales surged 14.2 per cent against 2001, to €523.2 million. Blow-moulding machines produced by this division are being increasingly integrated into the offerings provided by "Packaging Systems", which is responsible for Sidel's complete bottling lines. Sales generated by the latter also advanced strongly, up by 12.3 per cent to €246.3 million.
The contraction in sales of traditional products recorded by the "Filling Systems" Division was offset by the successful launch of its new range of aseptic filling systems. The company reported that ten of these systems had been sold by the year-end.
Sidel also performed strongly in Asia, with sales soaring 31.6 per cent to €169.3 million. Business picked up in North America towards the end of the year, driving up year-on-year growth to 9 per cent to €322.1 million. However the company reported that it sales for Europe and Middle East/Africa remained due to relatively stagnant market, but the performance was on a par with 2001.
For a complete break-down of Sidel's sales performance in 2002, access the company website through this link.
Following the European Commission's recent ruling, Sidel is continuing with its strategic focus and will now be working as a member of the Tetra Laval Group.