R&M: continued strong growth in 2007
Half-year results: 20 percent increase / workforce now over 600
Wetzikon (CH) (pts015/18.07.2007/10:28) The Swiss cabling specialists Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M, www.rdm.com) in Wetzikon continued to boost their sales during the first half of 2007. At the end of June, the figures were over 20% higher than for the same period in 2006. R&M experienced a particularly encouraging development in Switzerland, which accounted for 25% of total sales. Sales were also above average in Germany, while the marketing organizations in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Asia reported pleasing growth, which partly exceeded expectations. "All in all, an excellent state of affairs and a direct follow-up to the previous year," is how CEO Martin Reichle views the interim figures. In 2006, R&M had increased their sales by 20% up to CHF 196 million (EUR 121.5 million), so that the cabling specialists numbered among the top 500 companies in Switzerland.
This strong growth is the result of systematically tapping new international markets - a strategy that R&M employs without outside help. In the long term, the company wants to achieve exceptional growth as a leader in technology and quality. "Everywhere - from Europe to the Far East - there is a positive response to our innovative products, reliable service, motivated and pragmatic employees, and our identity as an independent Swiss family enterprise," says Martin Reichle. In addition, the worldwide expansion of data networks and broadband infrastructures is giving rise to an increase in demand. R&M has also reinforced its position as a supplier to major international customers. Amongst others, leading international companies in the finance sector are choosing R&M cabling solutions, whereby the aspects of quality, security, service and logistics play a decisive role.
R&M is constantly creating new jobs, both at its headquarters in Wetzikon and in the marketing organizations. The company now employs a workforce of over 600 worldwide. "Particularly now, when we are experiencing a period of strong growth with its many challenges, we pay special attention to the health and quality of life of our employees," says Martin Reichle. In a special seminar held recently, R&M taught employees how to avoid burnout. In September, there is a second health week, offering many opportunities for a fitness check and training.
As part of its growth strategy, R&M is intensifying its investment activities. A new plant is being constructed at the headquarters in Wetzikon in order to increase manufacturing capacity and optimize work processes. The expansion of the marketing and distribution organization brings with it a substantial increase in service and logistics capacities. Research and development are under way, with the aim of offering innovations that meet people's needs - for example, the product range for rapid connection to Internet television (IPTV). The Swiss telecommunications enterprise Swisscom Fixnet has supplied R&M with an easy-to-install cabling solution for apartments, which certainly played a decisive role in the rapid expansion of the Bluewin TV service.
(end)| Aussender: | Reichle & De-Massari AG |
| Ansprechpartner: | René Eichenberger |
| Tel.: | +41 44 933 8285 |
| E-Mail: | rene.eichenberger@rdm.ch |
