Despite the impact of the Russian crisis and the expiration of EU milk production quotas, the Krone Group generated sales of about $1.75 billion in the fiscal year 2014-2015—a slight increase over the previous year.
Domestic sales for the Krone Group rose to $526 million, reflecting an increase of 5.2% over the previous year. About 32% of the domestic sales were accounted for by the agricultural machinery division and 68% by the commercial trailer business. This means that the Krone Group generated 29.4% of its sales in Germany, which marks a slight increase over the previous year (28.2%).
By comparison, sales in markets outside Germany declined slightly by 1%. About 34.6% of the export sales were accounted for by the agricultural machinery division and 65.4% by the commercial trailer division, reflecting a slight decline to 70.6% from 71.8% in the previous year.
The division as a whole reports sales revenues of around $1.2 billion, which is on the same level as in the previous year. Selling 30.3% of its products within Germany, the division generated $358 million on the German market, thus achieving a growth of more than 8%. Sales in foreign markets amounted to $824 million (previously $846 million), with the Western European markets accounting for 45.5% (previously 43.1%) and Eastern Europe for 21.4% (previously 24.1%).
After the machinery factory at Spelle underwent a major reorganization and redesign, the plans are to submit the commercial trailer division to a similar scenario. The Progress 2020 project will synchronize the five commercial trailer and axle production sites (Werlte, Lübtheen, Herzlake, Dinklage (all in Germany), and Tire (Turkey), maximizing the division’s efficiency, product quality and data communication. Moreover, construction work has been initiated at the Werlte and Dinklage sites. In addition, we will continue making further investments in strengthening the farm machinery and trailer sales networks. The initiative aims at positioning the company closer to its customers in new and existing markets and strengthening existing customer relationships.
The average number of persons employed around the world (permanent staff) by the Krone Group increased to 3,097 (previous year: 2,614) during the fiscal year 2014-2015. This figure includes 220 apprentices (previously 203). The rise in employee numbers is partly accounted for by the employment of a number of temporary workers.
“The expiration of EU milk production quotas and the consequences of Russian Ukrainian crisis have naturally had an impact on Krone as well. Considering these factors we are indeed satisfied with how business developed in the 2014-2015 fiscal year,” says Managing Director Bernard Krone. “Nevertheless, we are currently experiencing a fierce competition in both markets – agricultural machinery and commercial trailers. Besides, our sales have shown a steady growth in past few years and logically, this trend cannot be expected to continue every year. Consequently, the Group’s projections for the current fiscal year are moderate and anticipate a decrease in sales by a single-digit percentage.”