Latest financial results released by international specialty glass company Schott confirm the group’s continued positive development and reinforce its plans for further growth by engaging in a bold investment programme.

Despite the generally weak economic environment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Schott managed to continue to develop its key financial figures positively in fiscal year 2020, or to maintain them at the good level of the previous year. Sales rose by 2.2% to €2.24 billion, with an operating profit of €288 million.

Schott realised record investments of €320 million last year. Roughly half of this sum was invested in German-speaking sites, such as a new building for pharmaceutical packaging in Müllheim in the German state of Baden, as well as in optics production in Mainz. On an international level, the company invested in a new plant in China and new melting units in India, both for pharmaceutical tubing production. Other main investment focuses included Hungary, Switzerland, Brazil and the USA.

The glassmaker intends to enter a new growth phase this fiscal year. Despite the challenging economic situation, the company plans to increase its sales by up to 5%.

To achieve a further boost, Schott will once again increase last year’s record investments by spending €350 million. The investment strategy is consistently aligned with market expectations.

The technology group continues to expect positive impulses in pharmaceutical packaging, in the field of diagnostics, as well as in cover and thin glasses for smartphones and consumer electronics.

New plans include a new melting unit for pharmaceutical glass and the expansion of thin glass production. International focal points include expansion of capacities in China, Switzerland, Hungary and the USA.

www.schott.com