Investments

Significantly higher investments

In 2023, investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets amounted to CHF 197 million – CHF 42 million or 27.1% more than in the previous year. As a percentage of net sales, the investment ratio was 6.4% (previous year 4.6%). The significantly higher investments compared to the previous year were attributable to strategic plant expansions in Pfullendorf (DE) and Lichtenstein (DE) as well as the construction of a new customer centre in Germany. As part of the strategic stability, all important, larger investment projects were carried out as planned.

41% of the total investments went towards capacity expansion. 42% was invested in the modernisation of property, plant and equipment and, hence, in further enhancement in production efficiency. Furthermore, 10% was used for rationalisation measures relating to property, plant and equipment, while 7% was used to acquire tools and equipment for new product developments.