Business development
The Business Area’s Sales in 2006 amounted to 120.6 MEUR, which is a strong organic growth of 28.8% compared to 2005 (93.6 MEUR). EBITA and profitability were also higher than in 2005. EBITA, at 10.6 MEUR in 2006, increased by 47.2% compared to 2005 (7.2 MEUR), thus surpassing the Sales growth. As a result, EBITA margin was further enhanced to 8.8% (2005: 7.7%).
Order Intake also developed very favorably, achieving a strong organic growth. It increased to 127.1 MEUR (2005: 101.2 MEUR). Order Intake was particularly strong for animal feed plants, aquatic feed extrusion lines, and wood pelleting systems.
The Business Area successfully handed over a fully integrated multi-functional feed factory to Koka, the biggest Croatian integrated poultry producer.
In 2006 Andritz acquired the remaining 49% stake of the joint venture between Andritz Sprout and Chemes Strojarne in Humenné, Slovakia which had been established in 2005. Andritz Sprout S.r.o. is an important part of the supply chain of the Feed and Biofuel Business Area, providing manufacturing and engineering services for the Andritz Sprout group worldwide.