Gallus reports sales
rose 37% in 2006
The Gallus Group, based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, a manufacturer of label printing and converting equipment, says that a high share of new products made a disproportionate contribution to its internal growth in turnover of 19 percent in 2006. Taking into account the complete acquisition last year of BHS Druck- und Veredelungstechnik GmbH, in Weiden, Germany, Gallus recorded a turnover of CHF 283 million (2005: CHF 207 million), which represents an increase of 37 percent over the previous year.
“The continuing growth in the global economy in 2006 had a positive impact on the label industry, in particular because of the confident consumer mood throughout the world,” says Peter Hauser, chairman.
Hauser reports several milestones in 2006:
• The company commissioned new production facilities for screen printing plates in Herisau, Switzerland. The plant will supply Gallus Screeny screen printing plates throughout the world. The investment in the plant totaled CHF 12 million.
• The group entered into the folding carton business with its acquisition of 30 percent of BHS Druck- und Veredelungstechnik GmbH in October 2005. The company’s product range includes reel-fed presses and diecutters for the inline production of folding cartons. In October 2006 Gallus acquired the remaining 70 percent of BHS Druck and accelerated the build-up of the folding carton business.
In 1999 Gallus entered into a cooperation agreement with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. Gallus employs around 670 people, of whom 320 are based in Switzerland.