Gurit has reported net sales of CHF 578.8 million for the full year 2020. Gurit achieved an operating profit of CHF 64.6 million (11.2% of net sales) and net profit amounted to CHF 46.6 million in 2020. Gurit reports sales growth of 3.3% in reported CHF and 8.9% at constant exchange rates for its Continued Operations, despite the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This is largely due to the continuously strong wind energy market.
Composite Materials reported increased total sales with CHF 276.2 million (2019: CHF 249.7 million), a significant growth of 10.6% in reported CHF and a strong 16.1% at constant exchange rates compared to 2019. This growth has been driven by a strong global demand in the Wind Industry, including Balsa raw material and corresponding sales price increases, while the Marine and Industrial markets were hit by the pandemic.
Kitting strongly increased its sales to 225.6 million in 2020 compared with CHF 190.7 million in the previous year. The business unit grew dynamically with 18.3% in reported CHF and 25.4% at constant exchange rates compared to 2019, mainly supported by a solid market demand as well as an increased global manufacturing footprint built up during the past couple of years.
Tooling reported net sales of CHF 98.7 million compared to CHF 106.1 million in 2019 which is a 7% decline in sales in reported CHF and a small decline of 1.7% at constant exchange rates. Tooling achieved good sales in the Chinese domestic market however, the other markets saw a reduced demand. During 2020, Tooling started preparations for the new manufacturing site in South India planned to become operational in the second half of 2021.
Sales by geographic location in 2020 showed a further increase of 15.8% in the APAC region now reaching 43% of total sales, compared to 37.4% in 2019. APAC is by far the largest destination for Gurit goods delivered, despite slower demand from China in the fourth quarter. Deliveries to Europe accounted for 29.4% of total Group sales in 2020. Goods delivered to the Americas accounted for 22.0% of total Group sales, while supply to the rest of the world amounted to 5.6% (2019: 8.2%).