SCHOTT reported continued growth and improvements on all earnings indicators in fiscal year 2013/2014, generating USD 2.55 billion in worldwide sales, 20% of which was generated in North America, and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to USD 184 million.
SCHOTT, a global leader in glass innovations and specialty glass manufacturing, saw continued growth and improvements on all earnings indicators in fiscal year 2013/2014 (1 October 2013, to 30 September 2014). SCHOTT generated USD 2.55 billion in worldwide sales, 20% of which was generated in North America, and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to USD 184 million. “Part of this growth was driven by products manufactured in SCHOTT North America plants that have far-reaching applications throughout the broader economy”, said Greg Wolters, President SCHOTT North America, Inc. “Our US production sites create both our most enduring products and our newest innovations, and conduct groundbreaking research and development for the entire SCHOTT brand.”
At its site in Duryea, Pennsylvania, for example, SCHOTT develops active and passive laser glass used in high-power and ultra-short laser pulse applications for laser range finding as well as for medical applications. The innovative CoralPor® porous glass, a high-performance glass used in the medical, aerospace, defence, and oil and gas industries, is also produced in Duryea. Additionally, at its plant in Southbridge, Massachusetts, SCHOTT engineers electronic packaging and lighting products used in the defence and medical industries.
SCHOTT North America also manufactures a number of products for the home. At SCHOTT’s Louisville, Kentucky plant, ROBAX® glass ceramic fire viewing panels are cut to size for hearths and fireplaces. And in Vincennes, Indiana, SCHOTT decorates and finalizes glass ceramic CERAN® panels, used in a wide range of gas, electric and induction cooktops, for all of its American-based appliance customers. SCHOTT technology from Vincennes also powers illuminated shelves for Whirlpool refrigerators that are produced in North America.
The company is also advancing to full-scale production of its new adaptiQ™ system for ready-to-use pharmaceutical vials at the company’s US facility in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, in preparation for commercial launch early in 2015.
“SCHOTT remains committed to manufacturing in North America, and the innovative products created here every day are used by companies to grow the global economy, deliver life-saving drugs to patients, and add to our scientific knowledge about our planet and beyond,” said Dr. Frank Heinricht, SCHOTT CEO and Chairman of the Board.
The company aims to continue on its course of sustainable and profitable growth in fiscal year 2014/2015 by increasing sales by 2 to 3%, growing its EBIT, and by achieving another increase in its consolidated earnings. A mixture of proven legacy and new products, such as ultra-thin glasses, components for aircraft cabin lighting, pharmaceutical packaging, and glass-ceramics for use in storing energy will contribute to SCHOTT’s sales growth in the future.
SCHOTT employs about 2,200 North American workers, and the company’s global workforce remained steady at 15,445 in FY13/14.