The TRUMPF Group once again achieved considerable sales growth in the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Compared to previous year, the company's sales increased by about 10 percent to approximately 2.14 billion Euros or $3.15 billion US-Dollar based on preliminary figures. TRUMPF President Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller called the year good overall. "We are also very confident about the 12 months that lie ahead. As things stand now, we are forecasting sales growth in the middle, single digit percentage range." Growth opportunities for TRUMPF exist in diverse areas, the global economic slowdown will have varying degrees of impact on the Group's individual business units, as well as on world markets. TRUMPF is active in more than 50 countries and offers a broad product portfolio. Orders received rose by 5 percent compared to last year and are at the same level as sales. The Group's number of employees exceeded the 8,000 mark for the first time in company history. About 700 jobs were added worldwide, 270 alone in Germany. Annual revenue will be announced during the year-end press briefing in October 2008.
Factors contributing to TRUMPF Group's excellent results during the past fiscal year were the worldwide economy, which was still strong during the period under review, and the high demand for quality manufacturing and production equipment. All business fields enjoyed good economic growth. The strongest was recorded in Eastern Europe and Western Europe. The domestic market in Germany also experienced positive growth. In the U.S., TRUMPF achieved significant sales growth in the local currency, in spite of the sluggish economy. In Asia, too, the company was able to improve its position. TRUMPF was the first German machine tool manufacturer to operate a production facility in Japan this year.