Solid performance

Mixed performance

We improved our performance significantly in the second half of the year, but were unable to make up for the decline in the first. One of the reasons for the problems was the legacy of unprofitable projects, another was the virtual collapse of the market for wind energy, in Germany, which was caused by a variety of factors. As a result, revenue for 2019 fell by 5.1%, from CHF 255 million to CHF 242 million. After adjusting for currency effects, revenue stood at CHF 248 million. At CHF 150 million, the order book is practically unchanged (2018: CHF 152 million). We made successful contract acquisitions particularly in the wooden construction and facade technology sectors, for example in Berlin, Cologne and Zug.

Performances varied between the individual companies within the division. Prestressing technology and our traditional building and civil engineering services failed to meet expectations, for example, while the gravel plants and our specialist operations, such as facade technology and energy management, put in a solid performance in their niches. The reorganisation of prestressing technology in Poland is practically complete. We are currently developing our portfolio further. Implenia is well positioned in its niche markets to help shape the fundamental changes occurring in the construction industry and to accelerate the Group’s own ability to innovate.

Anita Eckardt took over as Head of Division Specialties on 1 September 2019. Since then, the strategy work has been completed, plans for onward development have been worked out with the appropriate business units, and initial potential for new business models has already been identified.

Another new feature is the Innovation Hub, which uses a structured process to turn promising ideas into new business models as quickly as possible. The Innovation Hub is supported by a digital platform.