Bucher Q1 Report 2023

Demand declined in all divisions in line with the general economic downturn but remained high and above the level of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Capacity utilisation remained very strong, and sales increased significantly. Negative currency effects were offset by price increases that had already begun in 2022. The situation in the supply chain improved compared to the difficult prior-year period. All of the divisions continued to face shortages of skilled workers as well as substantial wage and cost inflation. The order book remained very strong, covering six months of sales.

Significant increase in sales

Demand at Bucher Emhart Glass declined in all regions except Europe in the first quarter of 2023 but remained at a high level overall. The market became increasingly dynamic in China after the country relaxed its pandemic measures at the end of 2022. The trend toward glass packaging held strong due to ecological concerns. In addition, energy-efficiency considerations are prompting investments in new glass container forming machines. The division’s capacity utilisation remained very high due to its strong order book. Its sales accordingly increased significantly, helped especially by its good spare parts business.