Machine tool manufacturer Tornos in Moutier (BE) suffered a drop in turnover and new orders last year, penalized by the poor shape of the automotive industry and the postponement of client projects . Sales are in line with expectations, the Provost group having already announced its situation in October.
The group’s turnover amounted to 205.3 million francs, down 4.4% in one year, according to a statement released on Tuesday. Order intake plummeted (-44.7%) to 135.5 million francs. The analysts consulted by AWP expected sales between 190 and 220 million francs.
Partial unemployment to be expected
Tornos will request partial unemployment measures from March to the Bernese cantonal office for the economy, “taking into account the current order book,” the company said. Management expects, as announced in October, lower profitability in 2019 compared to that of the previous year.
“The shortfall in the automotive industry has also resulted in a more unfavorable product mix. In addition, storage costs have increased, mainly due to the transfer of a large part of the stocks to Moutier, “notes the company specializing in machine tools.
The Provost group however welcomes the good development of the activity in medical and dental techniques as well as in the electronics industry, and the reception reserved for the SwissNano 7. The detailed figures will be presented on March 9.
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