Bucher Emhart Glass saw orders rise to CHF 188M in the first half 2014, up from CHF 165.8M in the same period 2013. It said the market for glass forming and inspection machinery remained at a low level overall and there were no signs of recover in Asia, however, the market in Europe stabilised and demand in America improved. Thanks to its strong market position in technology-oriented Europe, it succeeded in generating a substantial year-on-year increase in order intake and sales. The spare parts and service business also developed well because glass container manufacturers invested in the maintenance of existing plants. The division achieved a significant improvement in profitability. This was due to the good level of capacity utilisation as well as the effect of the strategic realignment measures. Personnel capacity at the company was under strain due to the parallel implementation of two major projects: the realignment and the development of cooperation with O-I.
