maxon motor Group posts record results in 2010

The maxon motor Group posted record results in fiscal 2010. Following the tough economic environment in 2009, maxon quickly recovered and made significant progress, with consolidated sales totaling CHF 306.6 million (up 23.6% on 2009). With cash flow (operating profit plus write-offs) of CHF 40.8 million (13.3% of consolidated sales), the company was able to fund all investment from its own resources. At year-end 2010, the company employed around 1,850 staff (174 more than in 2009), of which some 1,050 are based in Sachseln. More than 80% of production is exported. The company has production facilities in Sachseln, Sexau (Germany) and Veszprém (Hungary). maxon has a continuous innovation capacity and a well-stocked product pipeline. It is cautiously optimistic in its outlook for the current fiscal year.

"We achieved record results in 2010 thanks to everyone's hard work", said majority shareholder Karl-Walter Braun at the media conference. Monthly order intakes soared in 2010 compared to the previous year when short-term working had to be introduced. But against all expectations, the economy recovered relatively quickly and much stronger than anticipated. Within the maxon motor Group, key markets that grew the strongest in absolute terms were Switzerland, the US, Germany and Holland. Medical technology (45%) and industrial automation (28%) accounted for more than two thirds of all key markets.

maxon motor is well positioned around the world
Last year maxon won the Innovation Prize from the Central Switzerland Chamber of Commerce again for its EC 22 HD (heavy duty), the first standard motor for extremely tough operating conditions, after winning the award in 1996. "This prize again demonstrates our tremendous innovation capacity", said Jürgen Mayer, maxon's chairman. Developed for the extreme requirements of deep drilling technology, the drive opens up new possibilities in a range of applications that place the highest demands on reliability and technical performance. "Our drive systems are now used everywhere, from the interior of the Earth all the way to Mars", said CEO Eugen Elmiger. The brushless DC motor EC 40 came onto the market in spring. With a 90% efficiency rate and detent-free operation, this motor is ideal for demanding applications in industrial and logistics facilities, mobile robotics, packaging machines and power tools plus air and space travel. This broad application range means that maxon motor is well positioned around the world.

Positive trends continuing in 2011
Sales in the first five months of this year were higher than in 2010. The future outlook is seen as positive. According to Karl-Walter Braun, the strong Swiss franc and high commodities prices were the main issues causing concern. "But we are confident that we can overcome these challenges. We are approaching the future with cautious optimism", he continued.