Gamma Holding's belting tech gains from rising demand, H1
26 Aug '05
9 min read
In addition, special protective clothing was produced for manufacturers of computer chips. Despite a shortage of raw materials, the volumes of bullet-proof materials also showed an increase, partly thanks to orders for bullet-proof vests from the Bulgarian army and the Italian and German police. The distribution network in Italy was expanded for the product group PTFE-coated glass woven fabrics.
Sailcloth Technology was faced with severe price pressure in Europe, but was partly able to offset this because of upward trends in the United States. In particular, the windsurfing and membrane sail segments showed growth; the latter partly thanks to last year's acquisition of D4 membrane technology. In the first half of the year the business unit successfully launched Hydra Net Radial, innovative sailcloth in which polyester has been combined with high-grade Dyneema yarn for the first time. Furthermore, a victory was recorded with Sailcloth Technology's sailcloth in the Vendée Globe, a non-stop round-the-world solo sailing race, in which the record was broken by no less than 6 days.
Gamma Comfort & Style Turnover in the Gamma Comfort & Style sector fell short of the first half of last year. Turnover totalled EUR 193 million (2004: EUR 207 million). Following a downward trend in the first quarter, Sleep Care Fabrics was able to make a partial recovery in the second quarter.
The operating result (excluding restructuring costs) was a profit of EUR 8.4 million (2004: 12.7 million), mainly due to lower results in Sleep Care and Car Fabrics. Sleep Care Fabrics suffered from declining volumes, while Car Fabrics was faced with continual price pressure.
marketing@alchempro.com
