GERMANY – Surteco SE – one of the world’s leading manufacturers of decorative surface materials – succeeded in increasing sales and earnings within the anticipated framework in 2015.

According to preliminary, unaudited figures, consolidated sales increased by 3 % from € 618.5 million to € 638.4 during the year under review. Both Strategic Business Units – Plastics and Paper - were able to make a contribution to this positive development.

In spite of substantial integration costs for the concentration of German decorative printing activities, Surteco also achieved an increase of 3 % by comparison with 2014 (€ 62.8 million) in earnings before interest, tax and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) at € 65.0 million. Lower depreciation and amortization, a significantly improved financial result, resulted in a pretax profit from EUR 22.3 million in 2014 to the current level of € 26.8 million.

“We have achieved an increase in sales of almost € 20 million and improved earnings, and we also reached our adjusted annual targets defined in August of last year. Our focus in the business year 2015 was on the consistent relocation of the printing facilities and integration within the location in Buttenwiesen. In 2016, we can see additional potential for profitable growth because we will now be in an even better position to reap the fruits of our strategy of consolidation pursued in previous years,” commented the Chairman of the Board of Management of Surteco SE, Dr. Herbert Müller.