HOCHDORF Holding AG / Key word(s): Strategic Company Decision
11.09.2013 17:36
Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR
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The HOCHDORF Group is changing
Hochdorf, 11 September 2013 - On 1 June 2013 Dr Thomas Eisenring assumed
the role of CEO of the HOCHDORF Group. There are some clear signs of change
after his first 100 days at the helm.
In recent times there have been significant changes in the food industry
and related areas. The HOCHDORF Group has to adjust to a different set of
circumstances and make changes in terms of efficiency and cost savings,
turnover and providing added value.
Great potential for efficiency and cost savings
The HOCHDORF Group is undertaking a meticulous analysis of its product and
production mix. Thomas Eisenring, CEO of the HOCHDORF Group, offers the
following assessment of the current situation: 'We are already planning the
transfer of products between the two Swiss plants to ensure more efficient
processes.'
The HOCHDORF Group intends to further centralise its logistics operation
and run this directly from the sites, where possible. In future, 1,000 to
1,500 containers will be loaded directly at the loading bay in Sulgen, for
instance.
For the new CEO is clear, that the company's organisational structures also
need to change: 'We want to adapt the organisational structures to our
future requirements and to make them much simpler.' Process flows will be
tightened up at the same time. However, the restructuring process is still
at the concept stage and has yet to be worked out in detail.
'We have now set the whole efficiency and cost saving process in motion,'
explained Eisenring. The CEO anticipates that implementing the current
measures could make savings in the region of two to four million Swiss
francs. The company should reach this point by the end of 2014.
Turnover potential
In the section of infant formula the HOCHDORF Group showed growth in
turnover of 21.3 per cent in the first six months of the year. This rapid
growth is essential to enable the plant built in Sulgen to produce infant
formula to reach full capacity as soon as possible: 'The modern plant in
Sulgen was conceived with the future situation in Europe in mind. That is
why we still have to pursue a volume strategy for infant formula,' said
Eisenring. The plant should be working at full capacity in 2014. 'As soon
as the tower is at full capacity, we will gradually change the focus of our
strategy from volume to creating added value,' he added. Eisenring is
anticipating increasing margins during the course of 2014 and the company
is aiming to generate turnover of between CHF 100 and 120 million with
infant formula by 2016.
Added value in whey processing
In the first six months of the year the HOCHDORF Group processed around 20
per cent less milk compared to the same period in 2012. To offset this
fall, the Group is producing significantly more whey. These whey products
are mainly sold to the animal feed industry at present. 'We have decided to
embark on an added-value strategy for whey and to extend our whey
production. The aim is to produce high-quality lactose and whey protein.
These products achieve significantly higher added value on the market and
can be used directly for producing infant formula,' said Eisenring. This
strategy first meets the company's own needs and means, that the products
could then also be sold for profit. Investment of around CHF 4 million is
required to enable these products to be manufactured. If all goes to plan,
HOCHDORF anticipates additional revenue of around CHF 2 million for whey
products in 2016.
Prospects for 2013 as a whole
Eisenring is positive about the revenue situation: 'If the current trend
continues, we are expecting a pleasing annual statement that is in line
with the prevailing circumstances.' The CEO expects the annual statement to
show a significant improvement on the previous year and predicts that the
2013 figures could double within the next two years.
Contact:
Christoph Hug, Head of Corporate Communications, HOCHDORF Group
Tel: +41 41 914 65 62 / +41 79 859 19 23, christoph.hug@hochdorf.com
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Information and Explaination of the Issuer to this News:
The HOCHDORF Group, based in Hochdorf, achieved a consolidated gross sales
revenue of CHF 346.6 million in 2012. It is one of the leading foodstuff
companies in Switzerland, employing 381 staff as of 31.12.12 (356 full-time
staff). Made from natural ingredients such as milk and wheat germ, HOCHDORF
products have been contributing to our health and wellbeing since 1895 -
from babies to senior citizens. Its customers include the food industry and
the wholesale and retail sectors and its products are sold in around 80
countries. Hochdorf shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich
(ISIN CH0024666528).
11.09.2013 News transmitted by EQS Schweiz AG.
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Language: English
Company: HOCHDORF Holding AG
Siedereistrasse 9
6281 Hochdorf
Switzerland
Phone: +41 41 914 65 65
Fax: +41 41 914 66 66
E-mail: hochdorf@hochdorf.com
Internet: www.hochdorf.com
ISIN: CH0024666528
Valor:
Listed: SIX
End of Announcement EQS Group News-Service
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