Liebherr Group boosted its turnover by €502 million or 12.3% to €4,590m during 2004. Turnover in the mobile cranes division rose by €121.6m or 14.1% to €985.2m. The construction cranes and mixing technology division also increased its turnover by €70.8m or 21.7% to €397.6m.
The maritime cranes division, which encompasses harbour mobile cranes, ship cranes, offshore cranes and container cranes, increased its turnover by €13.6m or 5.3% to €271.5m. Turnover from harbour mobile cranes and container cranes rose significantly while sales from ship and offshore cranes could not quite reach the previous year’s figure.
Western Europe accounts for 66% of the Group’s turnover, and remains its most important market. In the 2004 business year, the Liebherr Group invested a total of €252.6m worldwide. The number of employees in the Group went up by 1,185 to 22,245.
Liebherr claimed its outlook remained positive, despite price rises: “Operating margins are under considerable pressure, since it is impossible to pass on fully the massive price increases for many raw materials and pre-products. In view of the volatility of foreign exchange markets, exchange rate movements may lead to increased competitive pressure. Nevertheless, the Liebherr Group’s net income is expected to exceed the level of 2004.”
