Record sales in 2005 and new initiatives for Gallus Group

In 2005, the Gallus Group generated 2005 sales in excess of CHF 200 million for the first time.

The globally positive economic environment also supported the label industry in 2005. The stable economic situation and the excellent level of new product acceptance made 2005 a record year, with the Gallus Group generating sales of CHF 207 million (2004: CHF 187 million). This represents an increase of 11 per cent.

Furthermore, two strategically important projects were initiated in 2005:

Gallus is setting up new facilities for the manufacture of screen printing plates. The total sum invested in state-of-the-art plant and processing technology for the electrolytic coating process is CHF 12 million. From 2007, the new production facilities will be responsible for supplying Screeny screen printing plates globally.

Expansion of the folding carton business: in October 2005, the Gallus Group acquired a 30 percent stake in BHS Druck- und Veredelungstechnik GmbH (Weiden/Germany). This move is intended to accelerate the expansion of the folding carton business by providing reel-fed printing and converting machines as well as die-cutters for the economical inline manufacture of folding carton boxes. This business will be integrated within the Gallus
Group in an autonomous business unit and will supplement the Heidelberg folding carton range in sheetfed offset printing.