WCA November 2007

Industry news

Zumbach leading the field . . .

It has been a case of 50 not out for Swiss on-line measuring and control system manufacturer, Zumbach. For the company, based in Orpund, celebrated its 50 th anniversary in May and continues to offer the wire and cable industry the most complete line of measuring and monitoring instruments using the highest technology. Zumbach Electronic operates globally with 13 companies throughout Europe, USA, South America and Asia – and an additional 40 agents. Zumbach is a world leader in several key technologies such as lasers/ optics, ultrasonics, x-ray, high-voltage technology, computer hardware and software. This enables the company to apply to each application the most appropriate technology, and allows it to develop new and unique solutions.

Zumbach headquarters and main facility in Orpund, Switzerland m

Numerous patents obtained around the world demonstrate the company’s strength in innovation.

Zumbach Electronic AG – Switzerland Fax : +41 32356 0430 Email : sales@zumbach.ch Website : www.zumbach.com

Altana posts robust growth in the l first six months of 2007

Speciality chemicals company Altana AG substantially increased sales and earnings in the first six months of 2007 compared to the previous year. Sales increased by 7%, rising from €659m to €705.7m. Adjusted for negative exchange rate effects of 3%, as well as slightly positive acquisition effects, the operating sales growth rate was 9%. The growth in sales was particularly strong in Europe (+10%) and Asia (+8%). Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 22% from €103.1m to €125.2m, based on double-digit earnings increases in all divisions. “In the first half-year of our new group structure as a pure specialty chemicals company we have demonstrated a very satisfying development and were able to increase sales and earnings substantially,” said Dr Matthias Wolfgruber, CEO of Altana AG. “We have successfully lived up to the confidence placed in us by the capital markets and the general public after the new start of Altana and we are well positioned to continue our path of profitable growth into the future.”

Altana AG – Germany Fax : +49 281 670 1114 Email : info@altana.com Website : www.altana.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – November/December 2007