Innovative solutions for the construction industry

Division Specialties achieved EBITDA of CHF 2.8 million owing to one-time effects (2019: CHF 19.2 million). However, the order book was up on the previous year thanks to a series of attractive and strategic project acquisitions. Innovation also developed very promisingly, with numerous new solutions and business ideas.

Improved order book

The order book of Division Specialties rose to CHF 156.6 million (2019: CHF 150.3 million) thanks mainly to the growth of our facade solutions, building construction logistics and building technology planning businesses. As a result of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, revenue fell to CHF 223.6 million (2019: CHF 242.0 million). Underlying performance at the EBITDA level of CHF 21.0 million (incl. COVID-19 impact of CHF ~ -4 million) was partially offset by the negative one-time effects of write-downs and re-evaluations amounting to CHF -11.7 million, restructuring provisions of CHF -8.6 million and other positive one-time effects of CHF 2.1 million. This resulted in reported EBITDA of CHF 2.8 million (2019: CHF 19.2 million).

Important project acquisitions showed that our strategic orientation is taking us in the right direction. These included a facade technology solution for the modernisation of the Alster swimming pool in Hamburg, building technology planning for the Alte Ziegeleipark in Horw, building construction logistics for the Arnulfpost in Munich, and post-tensioning systems for the A7 Elbmarsch crossing in Hamburg. 

Focus and innovation

Division Specialties develops solutions in niches for an efficient and sustainable construction industry in Switzerland, Germany and further markets. We will keep investing in successful areas such as facade solutions, building construction logistics and building technology planning, as well as continuing to develop our planning and engineering expertise in timber construction and formwork. Less profitable areas and those that do not fit strategically are being sold or ramped down. In 2020 we sold Tüchler Ausbau GmbH in Austria and decided to close Implenia Modernbau GmbH in Germany. We continue to evaluate acquisitions of innovative businesses that fit well strategically and are scalable, and we are entering into strategic partnerships that can drive innovation. The Implenia Innovation Hub has done very well: more than 60 ideas have already been submitted, eight of which have qualified for the next stages and are currently being developed. The Innovation Hub accelerates the development of new and innovative business models that benefit our customers.
You can find more information about our innovation, digitalization and industrialisation competences in  Insight Added value through innovation.

Division Specialties

develops solutions for an efficient and sustainable construction industry in niches such as timber construction, formwork, facade engineering and pre-tensioning technology, building technology planning and construction logistics. By continuously adding new services to its portfolio, the division is actively helping to shape the fundamental changes occurring in the construction industry. Innovation and the added value it brings to customers is a central theme. This innovation can come from screening potential acquisitions, from external partnerships or from Implenia’s internal Innovation Hub, which acts as an accelerator for new services.