Order Intake reaches record level

Order Intake of the Andritz Group progressed very satisfactorily.  Despite the weakness of the global economy, and a few projects unexpectedly being delayed into 2004, Andritz achieved the highest Order Intake in its history.  At 1,394.4 MEUR, it surpassed the record level set last year (2002: 1,299.7 MEUR) by 7.3%.  Most notably, the Rolling Mills and Strip Processing Lines Business Area (several major reference orders from Asia) increased its Order Intake substantially compared to 2002.  The Environment and Process Business Area’s Order Intake decreased by 25.4% due to persistently weak market conditions that led to postponement of several dryer projects by municipalities.

The price quality of orders received reflects the high intensity of competition in each of the Business Areas.  In addition, large systems orders typically have a lower percentage margin than smaller orders due to a higher amount of pass-through items.

The Order Backlog of the Andritz Group also developed very favorably, reaching 1,053.6 MEUR at the end of 2003.  Compared to the previous year (31.12.2002: 903.6 MEUR), this is an increase of 16.6%, giving Andritz a solid baseload for 2004.