Pump manufacturer Wilo UK's parent company, WILO SE, has described 2010 as the 'most successful year in the company's 139-year history'.
The Dortmund-based manufacturer has exceeded the €1 billion sales mark for the first time ever.
In its annual press conference in Düsseldorf, Oliver Hermes, chairman of the executive board, responsible for managing operations of the finance, controlling and human resources divisions, and Dr. Holger Krasmann, chief technology and production officer, presented the 2010 annual financial statements. Eric Lachambre, new chief sales and marketing officer at Wilo since 1 February 2011, provided an overview of present and future challenges in his area of responsibility.
The Wilo group, which has more than 6,200 employees worldwide, operates more than 60 fully consolidated production and sales companies in more than 40 countries. In 2010, it exceeded even the most ambitious target figures, some by a significant margin. Compared to the previous year, sales rose by 10.3 per cent to €1,021.4 million.
Mr Hermes explained that at the heart of the corporate strategy is a focus on three market segments - building services, water management and industry: 'Our aim is to continue to expand our business activities in these market segments in the next few years. In the building services market segment, we are working towards long-term global market leadership. The 2010 financial year was extremely promising in terms of these targets, as sales in all three market segments rose year-on-year, particularly as a result of the strong market position of Wilo and the high demand for energy-efficient products.'
Wilo's executive board confirmed that it is optimistic that the current excellent results will continue. The current conditions and forecasts signalled a steady development in demand, on an international scale.
For 2011, the pump specialist anticipates a further increase in sales.
Gary Mannus, managing director of Wilo UK, said: 'We're looking to make further impressive strides this year here in the UK as we look to increase our share of the market across all the three key areas of our activity.'
