GERMANY - Despite a challenging market environment, the surface specialist Schattdecor is posting higher sales for 2019.

Thanks to the positive market development in the finished surfaces segment and its two new sites US Coating in the USA and Vasatech in Malaysia, the Group can look back on sales of around EUR 780 million in 2019 – an increase of EUR 40 million from the previous year, despite a slight decline in volumes in the printed surfaces segment.

Sales of finished surfaces rose to 730 million square meters in 2019, compared to 620 million square meters in 2018.

At the beginning of the year, Schattdecor AG acquired the US finish foil manufacturer, US Coating, based in Lexington, South Carolina and the Malaysian impregnator, Vasatech, in Bestari Jaya, Selangor. The company is thus further expanding its presence in North America and Asia.

From the global point of view, the Group grew to 18 locations in 2019: “We've broadened our base even further,” said Roland Auer, CEO of Schattdecor AG.

Thanks to the positive response, the commissioning of a third impregnation channel also began in Malaysia in 2019. Capacities in Lexington, SC in the US are also to be increased.

In 2019, the expansion of activities in Asia also included the completion of a second Chinese printing facility in Quzhou, where the printing machines ran for the first time last spring. Roland Auer: “With the new building, we're creating the prerequisites to meet the dynamic growth in China and Asia”.

Despite all market developments, the Group is positive but prepared for 2020. Roland Auer: “Things remain exciting, despite the given uncertainties, and also with regard to economic and political developments and their possible effects on the industry. In any case, we'll be facing sporting competition in 2020. We're prepared and we're moving ahead into the New Year as a strong, international team, true to our motto ‘One Source. Unlimited Solutions.’ Our goal is to further expand our complete package for our customers and also to further strengthen our presence internationally.”