The Munich-based HAWE Group managed to outperform a generally very positive market environment. Sales increased by 29% to a total of EURO 238 million. The order intake for the HAWE Group grew even stronger and was up by 40% to EURO 284 million. In fiscal year 2007 the strongest growth rates were recorded once again in China, but the European markets likewise clocked up impressive increases, above all in Scandinavia, Spain and Italy. The domestic market in Germany also registered a gratifying performance, climbing by a total of 20%. HAWE's rate of exports in 2007 came close to 60%. This encouraging business performance is also reflected in the company's headcount. At the end of the year, the HAWE Group employed 1,822 employees, plus 160 temporary workers that are mainly employed in the production sector. In line with the mechanical engineering sector as a whole, HAWE created a substantial amount of new jobs in Germany.
A boost to foreign operations was the establishment of a sales subsidiary in Japan and the acquisition of another market participant in France, which merged with the previously existing subsidiary HAWE France. Substantial investments in machinery and equipment as well as the new construction of a production factory in Freising meant a sustained expansion of capacities. The new production facility in Kirchheim near Munich also started operations in fiscal year 2007. We continue to identify long-term growth potential in the Asia/Pacific region, especially in China, as well as the sectors of renewable energies, extractive industries and commodities and infrastructure.
The result for fiscal year 2007 sees HAWE Group record a straight fifth record year with new market shares being acquired throughout the world. It also gives HAWE Group a strong starting position for the current fiscal year.