Bucher Emhart Glass reported weaker demand for its equipment in the first half of the year.
In its latest financial note, it said demand for glass forming machinery and inspection machinery weakened, falling in the first half of the year compared to the very high level recorded in the prior-year period.
Europe and North America were particularly affected by the downturn.
Overall, order intake at Bucher Emhart Glass returned to normal, but fell considerably by 38% compared to the high level recorded in the prior-year period.
Capacity utilisation remained good thanks to the high order book. Overall, the division recorded a decline in sales of 8%.
The order book was reduced but still had a reach of six months. The operating profit margin fell slightly to 18.5% but still attained a good level.
Order intake for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 was CHF 195 million compared to CHF 314 million in 2023, down by 37.7%, while the order book was CHF 245 million compared to CHF 355 million last year.
