AUSTRIA – In fiscal 2014/2015 (July 1 to June 30), the Austrian fittings manufacturer Blum recorded 1,555.7 million euros in turnover; 8% increase over the previous year. 50% of turnover was generated in the EU level, 15% in the US.

The family owned company with global presence, experienced a positive development in most markets in Western Europe, and expressed satisfaction with the development of business in the EU member states in Eastern Europe. By contrast, in Russia and Ukraine Blum experienced a noticeable loss of turnover due to the effects of local conflict.

In North America the company benefited from favorable market conditions, while in South America un even macro economic conditions affected the performance. In the Asia Pacific region Blum continued to have a positive development in most markets.

Investments by the Blum Group totalled 171.5 million euros in FY 2014/15. In Austria, a new high bay warehouse was put into operation at Plant 2 in Hoechst. Construction work was started on an extension to Plant 4 in Bregenz to increase production and warehousing capacities. Blum set the course for its future corporate development by buying a 40,000 sq. meter (430,550 sq. ft.) plot of land in Dornbirn in the immediate vicinity of Plant 7. This is where construction work will be started on a new stamping center in autumn. Blum also invested in its locations worldwide. Production and warehousing facilities were expanded in Poland, and an extension to offices and warehousing area was completed in Russia. Warehousing capacities are currently being increased in Brazil, and construction work was started on a new central warehouse in Shanghai, China.